Canberra United coach Heather Garriock has challenged her players to lift for a testing period which will shape their W-League title aspirations as they prepare for three games in 12 days.
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Canberra will attempt to win their first game away from home when they play defending champions Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.
It will start a tough Christmas stretch for Garriock's team, which also includes a game against the Brisbane Roar at McKellar on December 27 and a rematch against Perth on January 3.
The looming departure of guest international Denise O'Sullivan will make it even tough to navigate the season-defining matches, with the Ireland star to play her last game for Canberra against Melbourne.
The clash against a dangerous Melbourne side will be the first challenge and a chance for Canberra to breakthrough for a win on the road after failing in three attempts so far this season.
"It's really important for us to get that monkey off our back," Garriock said.
"This is going to be vital for us as a team. The next week and a half is going to be really important for us and the girls know that for us to achieve our goal of getting in the top four and playing finals football."
Canberra is sixth on the ladder after winning just two of six games this year. The ladder is so tight that the second-placed Perth Glory are second with the same amount of wins as Canberra.
Garriock says Canberra has a point to prove in the match against the Sam Kerr-led Perth after surrendering a 4-1 lead and being forced to settle for a 4-4 draw at McKellar earlier this season.
O'Sullivan will be missing from the chance to exact revenge on Perth as she prepares to return to Ireland to link with the national team for a training camp.
The 24-year-old has been one of Canberra's best players this year and Garriock admits her departure after seven games will leave a huge hole in her line-up.
"She's caused so much havoc in the middle of the park, but [her influence] hasn't just been on the field," Garriock said.
"She leads by example and putting her arm around some of the younger girls. She's made an immense contribution and seeing her go is sad.
"We don't need extra motivation [to beat Melbourne City]. It's important for us to get the win, but for Denise as well. She's someone for young Laura Hughes to aspire to."
O'Sullivan will spend Christmas with Nikki Flannery's family before she leaves and says she's keen to return to Canberra United in the coming seasons.
"I'm really close to the girls, they're like family. It's been very enjoyable ... seven games has been great. To be leaving is going to be hard for me, but I'm very confident in this team. I fully believe they can make the play-offs."
W-LEAGUE ROUND EIGHT
Saturday: Melbourne City v Canberra United at AAMI Park, 5pm.
