So when it comes to the pressure of taking over a championship-winning W-League team, you can understand why the new Canberra United coach takes it all in her stride.

Dower has taken on the top job on a two-year contract after spending the past two seasons as assistant to former Dutch international Elisabeth Migchelsen.

Her appointment was hardly a surprise given the team's success since her arrival.

United claimed the Premiers' Plate in 2013-14 before winning the club's second championship last season.

Dower had a strong grounding in football having coached Queensland representative girls teams at under-13, under-17 and under-18 level and represented the Matildas before moving to Canberra.

But she was also balancing the duties of a plain clothes constable in the Queensland police force.

"I worked in all the major crime areas – child abuse, sexual assault, drug squad, organised crime, homicide, prostitution – you name it, I've gone through the gamut," Dower said.

"The skills and life lessons and experience in that career has certainly hardened me for life as a coach.

"There's a lot of skills in terms of mediating and conflict resolution that I can certainly bring and the people skills as well.

"Twenty years in the police service has been a very good footing to get into coaching."

Dower will continue as head coach of the National Training Centre United/ACTAS women's program.

She was instrumental in the development of United youngsters Julia De Angelis and Grace Maher, who made an impact in the W-League.

Dower replaces Migchelsen, who has taken up a role as an assistant coach for South Africa's national women's team.

United will be aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time in the club's seven-year history.

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams is set to return after missing last season recovering from a knee reconstruction.

Dower will scout potential imports at the women's World Cup in Canada and visit clubs in the National Women's Soccer League in the US.

"There's always pressure in every game, it's how you handle it," Dower said. "From our perspective, we've gone from the hunter to the hunted.

"That's some of the things hopefully I can bring to the girls, which is how we handle that expectation and how we look to continue on from that success."

United will be asking for expressions for interest for the assistant coach's role.

Dower is completing her ProDiploma coaching qualifications and is one of the highest qualified coaches in Australia.

"I'm delighted for the opportunity," she said. "I've had a nice 38-year apprenticeship in football.

"Working with someone of the calibre of Liz for the last two years has really validated the knowledge and experience I have stepping into the role full-time."