But star Ellie Carpenter's return to the team will be delayed by Matildas duties in Europe, with the teenager expected to re-sign with Canberra in the coming weeks.

Garriock is still putting her squad pieces together in a Canberra rebuild and has added former skipper Ash Sykes to her coaching staff for the W-League campaign, which starts against Melbourne City on October 28.

There are still a handful of contracts up for grabs. Carpenter is expected to fill one when she is released by her United States team, while Garriock is also working on signing two internationals and a guest player.

Canberra has invited eight players to trial with the squad during pre-season training, and some got a shock when they were pushed to exhaustion on Wednesday.

The roster overhaul has ignited competition from the first training session, with some players ducking behind trees to vomit before returning to drills and others needing ice on bumps and bruises.

That's exactly the sort of intensity Garriock wants after deciding to bring fresh blood into her side.

"Hard work equals success and for today the players have come in and they know what Canberra United is about this season," Garriock said.

"We've got about eight or nine [players on trial], some local and some from interstate. This week is for me to have a look at players that fit in with our squad.

"We've got several contracts left and it's a matter of those players taking those opportunities. It's been really competitive out there so far, which is good.

"You want competition and I've recruited players who are going to be competing for spots. No one is assured of a spot, not even my internationals. That creates a healthy environment."

Carpenter will be a key cog in Canberra's hopes of winning another W-League title given experienced players, including Michelle Heyman and Caitlin Munoz, won't be returning this season.

She played for Portland in the NWSL final in the US last weekend and will link with the Matildas for a two-game tour of Europe next month before preparing for Canberra's campaign.

The Matildas will play games against France on October 5 and England on October 9 before returning to Australia.

But while Carpenter will be absent from a chunk of pre-season, Canberra's international recruits are starting to arrive and are likely to be followed by a 'guest' player on a seven-game contract and two more stars.

South African duo Refiloe Jane and Rhoda Mulaudzi have already arrived and Sykes has stepped into a coaching role after retiring at the end of last season.

"I'm really excited," Sykes said. "To have the opportunity to still be involved with the club, I'm stoked. And to be able to help to the next generation of players to come through and be successful.

"We're working through processes to make sure [the new players] know what Canberra United is about. We've got a good core group of player who will live and breathe the Canberra United spirit."

New recruit Natasha Prior left Newcastle to join Canberra and hopes the move will help her chase her international goals.

"It's no surprise Canberra is all about winning, and I really want to win this season. The decision [to leave] was made easier by having Heather here," Prior said.

CANBERRA UNITED 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: Canberra United v Newcastle Jets 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: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium, 5.20pm

December 22: Canberra United v Melbourne City at AAMI Park, 5pm

December 27: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar, 7.30pm

January 3: Canberra United v Perth Glory 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: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, 5.20pm

February 9-10: Semi-finals

February 16-17: Grand final