The appointments of Migchelsen to the top job and Dower as her assistant have proved to be masterstrokes for a club that missed the finals last season.

The pair's next task is getting United past Brisbane Roar in Saturday's semi-final at McKellar Park and booking a berth in the grand final on Sunday week at home.

United conducted a worldwide search after title-winning coach Jitka Klimkova took a job with the New Zealand under-17 girls team.

Migchelsen won the nod thanks to her impressive playing and coaching resume.

But she and Dower, who coached junior representative teams in Queensland before being appointed this season, were in unfamiliar waters - they were virtual strangers.

United vice-captain Ellie Brush, however, believes their differing styles complement each other well.

''We've really enjoyed having [Migchelsen] on board and she works very well with Rae,'' Brush said.

''The two of them together are sort of good cop, bad cop at times.

''[Migchelsen] comes down hard when she needs to, but she can also tell you what you need to hear at the right times.''

Migchelsen showed her stern side after the shock loss to Adelaide United on January 5.

She dubbed it an ''un-Canberra performance'' and challenged her team to play to the level she knew it could reach.

A better effort against Melbourne Victory followed.

Then United hit its stride, starting its five-game winning streak.

United wants them back next season and has started negotiations with the pair.

Dower is delighted at how easily she and Migchelsen have clicked.

''She is a very honest and open person and that's how we've worked with the girls and they've embraced it,'' Dower said.

''She's managed to have a few direct moments throughout the season and I'm the one who gives it the softer approach.

''I've learnt an incredible amount working alongside her in the elite environment.''

United captain Nicole Sykes said: ''Liz comes across pretty harsh, but she's a big softie at heart … [despite] not knowing each other, to come in and build the partnership they have is pretty impressive.

''Liz's intensity is impressive, and she's done well in building us up or settling us down when we've needed it.''

Migchelsen believes she has the squad capable of winning the championship and has been pleased with how her players have turned things around after the team slumped to fifth on the table.

''Against Adelaide, everybody did their individual job but we didn't play as a team,'' Migchelsen said.

''If you don't play as a team, you can't win a game.

''We are back on track and we've showed that the last five games.''

SATURDAY

W-LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar, at McKellar Park, 3pm.