Heather Garriock is "100 per cent" convinced Canberra United are in a better place than they were eight months ago as the club hunts a return to the W-League throne.
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United finished one win outside the finals last summer but it still proved the club's worst return in its 10-year history and paved the way for Garriock to wield the axe and recruit players that bought into her way.
Canberra fans will get their first look at United following a drastic roster overhaul when they start their season against Melbourne City at McKellar Park on October 28.
The new-look Canberra squad will feature Scotland skipper Rachel Corsie as well as players from Ireland and South Africa to blend with a host of rising stars from Canberra and the rest of the nation.
"It’s a completely different squad, completely different feeling about the squad, completely different goals," Garriock said.
"A lot of players have very similar attributes and they know they need to work hard to succeed. All we’re looking at is each game, winning each game and the success will follow on.
"I’m sure everyone will be raring to go, there’s no better carrot or no better game to be playing than Melbourne City, who won last year.
"They’re the benchmark, they’ve got a fabulous team and it’s going to be a good game for us in terms of seeing where we’re at, but also I’m sure it is going to be very competitive."
United are set to welcome Ellie Carpenter back into their ranks on Sunday with another international signing to follow and cap off a major off-season upheaval.
Matildas striker Michelle Heyman was the first high-profile player to go from last season's squad and she was followed by Caitlin Munoz, Grace Maher, Amy Sayer, and imports Laura Bassett, Toni Pressley and Haley Kopmeyer.
The shock retirement of Ash Sykes was offset to a degree - she has joined Garriock's coaching staff.
Garriock hunted down Matildas but could only salvage the re-signing of Carpenter, forcing the former Australian star to think outside the box in terms of recruitment.
"It’s crucial when it’s tough to get Matildas to Canberra. The most important thing for me, when I could get only Ellie [from the Matildas], it was important for me to recruit a high level of internationals in which I have, including the guest player," Garriock said.
"Obviously in recruiting all of those players, there is a belief among not only me but the players that we’ve got a good squad and we’re looking forward to playing our first game.
"It’s been great having so many players here, especially Rachel Corsie coming here a week into pre-season, that makes a difference because she has basically come in and she knows she needs to lead the team this season.
"She has stamped her mark straight away, she’s been great in terms of leading the girls both on and off the field."
CANBERRA UNITED'S DRAW (home games in bold)
October 28: Canberra United v Melbourne City at McKellar, 4pm
November 4: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar, 4pm
November 17: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at Newcastle, 7.30pm
November 22: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Coopers Stadium, 7.30pm
December 2: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar, 4pm
December 7: Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United at Spotless Stadium, 5.20pm
December 22: Melbourne City v Canberra United at AAMI Park, 5pm
December 27: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar, 7.30pm
January 3: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, 8.30pm
January 13: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4pm
January 17: Canberra United v Melbourne Victory at Seiffert Oval, 7.30pm
January 25: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at Suncorp Stadium, 5.20pm
