Two-time champions Canberra United will hope to be challenging for the title again in the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.
Ahead of the new campaign, we’re profiling every club in the Westfield W-League.
SIGNING NEWS: Canberra secure Flannery for 2018/19 Season
READ: 'I want to give back to the club': Maizels' reason for Canberra return
Here’s everything you need to know about the team from the nation’s capital.
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History
Canberra has been part of the Westfield W-League since its inception and has been one of the powerhouse clubs of the competition.
The club has won two championships over the 10 seasons of the Westfield W-League, coming in 2011/12 and 2014/15.
United has also been crowned Premiers three times in 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2016/17.
Some of the leading players to have turned out for the club include Caitlin Munoz, Lydia Williams, Michelle Heyman, Ashleigh Sykes, Emily Van Egmond and Ellyse Perry.
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Colours and badge
The primary colours of the club’s jersey is green, the only club in the competition to have that colour.
United’s badge depicts the flagpole of Parliament House in Canberra.
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Home ground: McKellar Park
Canberra play their home games at McKellar Park in North Canberra, although they have played occasional games at Deakin Stadium in central Canberra. They've also ran out at the 25,000-seater Canberra Stadium as part of Hyundai A-League double headers.
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Coach: Heather Garriock
One of the Westfield Matildas’ most decorated players – earning 130 caps and scoring 20 goals – Garriock is heading into her second season as United’s head coach.
As well as three season’s coaching Sydney University’s women’s team in the NSW NPL, Garriock has also acted as an assistant coach for both the Westfield Matildas and Young Matildas in the past.
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Players
The United squad for the 2018/19 Season is beginning to take shape with Melissa Maizels, Nikola Orgill, Tash Prior, Taren King, Refiloe Jane, Nicki Flannery and Rhoda Mulaudzi the confirmed signings so far.
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Best season
It’s hard to go past the 2011/12 campaign as a highlight for United as they went through the entire season undefeated on their way to winning the double.
After losing the 2009 decider to Brisbane Roar, Canberra would have their revenge three years later, beating Roar 3-2 in a thrilling decider.
Westfield Matildas star Michelle Heyman was the difference, scoring two goals as well as laying on the assist for the other for Ashleigh Sykes.
Despite some late scares, United held off the fast-finishing Roar to clinch their first championship and kick off a huge celebration in front of more than 2500 fans.
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Did you know?
United introduced the first overseas coach into the Westfield W-League with the signing of Jitka Klimkova from the Czech Republic.
