Sally Rojahn and Catherine Brown are intent on making it back-to-back clean sheets when United hosts the Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park on Sunday.

The pair made the most of their opportunities as surprise starters in last weekend's 3-0 victory against the Brisbane Roar in Queensland. Rojahn slotted into right back while Brown was used in the unfamiliar central defender's role, the first time she had played there.

For Rojahn, it was just her fourth W-League appearance and second in the starting team after spending the majority of her previous three seasons on the training paddock.

The Young Matildas representative has been given a shot under new coach Liesbeth Migchelsen.

''It's been a tough three years and I haven't had many minutes on the field, so it's very exciting for (Migchelsen) to put me in the starting team,'' Rojahn said.

''I really hope I made an impression (against the Roar).

''We've gone through a few different coaches (at United), so I've learnt a lot from Ray (Junna) and Jitka (Klimkova) and from the many older players and internationals who have been at the club.''

Rojahn has waited patiently for her chance.

She debuted off the bench in 2010-11, but didn't play a game in 2011-12 as United won its first championship.

Two appearances last season, including her first in the starting line-up, had her champing at the bit to make the most of her opportunity.

Making the transition easier is her close relationship with fellow ACT junior Brown.

The pair, along with United teammates Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Grace Field, have progressed through the system at the same time. Brown started six of United's 12 games last season, but the left-footer was thrown a curve ball when asked to start at centre-back.

With United captain Nicole Sykes established at her usual left-back position, Brown has been earmarked to fill the spot left by Wanderers recruit Caitlin Cooper.

''My preferred position is anywhere down the left side, but I'm very happy at centre-back,'' Brown said.

''I had a look at some other clubs and there was that thought process to maybe get some experience elsewhere before coming back (to Canberra). I'm very grateful to play for my home town and it was always my preference to stay.''

While Brown and Rojahn are new to the scene, they can draw on the experience of Sykes and centre-back Ellie Brush, both who have more than 50 W-League caps, and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

''I talk to the experienced players a lot, especially Nicole, Ellie and Lydia being in the defensive line,'' Brown said.

''They keep you calm on game day, bring you back to Earth when they can tell you're getting a bit jittery and help you keep your head.''