After dominating the W-League for the entire season, Canberra United's squad share a bond which will never be broken.
And while its players will flock to all corners of the globe over winter, they are determined to stick together and defend their title.
From storied clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Leverkusen - to Sweden, Denmark and the US - the world is United's oyster after a remarkable undefeated campaign.
Last night's end-of-year presentation was the final official chance for the squad to say its goodbyes before turning to other commitments.
Matildas keeper Lydia Williams is one of seven Canberra players who will ply their trade abroad after signing with Swedish outfit Pitea IF.
Australia has a light international schedule this year, and coach Tom Sermanni has encouraged his Matildas squad to accept overseas opportunities.
''Going away and seeing how the rest of the world performs will be a big eye-opener for the girls in our team, I know it was for me when I went to [the Women's Professional Soccer club] Chicago in 2009,'' Williams said.
''In America we'd spend half a day running and not even touching a ball, it's different in terms of its professionalism.
''Tom's encouraged a lot of girls to go overseas and make sure we're playing quality teams and training day-in, day-out.''
Golden Boot winner Michelle Heyman revealed after Saturday's grand final win over Brisbane Roar she is set to join the Danish club Brondby. Heyman's 15-goal season was crucial in helping United to a breakthrough title, and she believes the Denmark stint will help her become a Matildas regular.
''Most of our internationals will be going over the next few days and it's a bit sad really, I don't want them to leave,'' Heyman said.
''Hopefully everyone comes back and we all see each other again next season.''
As a child, Canberra United reserve goalkeeper Aroon Clansey fantasised about pulling on Liverpool's iconic red jersey. And that dream is set to become reality with the 24-year-old on the brink of signing a one-year deal to play at Merseyside.
She will be joined by fellow New Zealand international Emma Kete, who joined Canberra from Perth mid-season. Clansey grew up in Auckland, but her father is a Liverpudlian who shares her passion for the Reds.
''My dad's from there and it's the team I support, so it means quite a lot,'' Clansey said.
''I went to the Champions League final a few years ago when they played AC Milan, and came back from 3-0 down to win.
''Although a lot of us are going elsewhere, we definitely want to keep the same group of girls at Canberra next year.''
Sermanni believes the experience gained from playing overseas will help the players improve not only their skills, but also their mental approach to the game.
''I've certainly encouraged and tried to help them get overseas,'' Sermanni said.
''It's not just football experience, it's about being in a less friendly competition, a different environment with the other off-field things you have to deal with.
''You don't miss familiar surroundings and family until you're not amongst it, the football side is generally not the hardest. Also they get to play a strong level of competition that keeps pushing them to the limit, and that's important.''

















.gif)



