Canberra United sign Belconnen star Jessie Rasschaert for 2019-20 season

Few could imagine making their national league debut as a 32-year-old, but Rasschaert jokes she's "peaked at the wrong time" after signing a deal with Canberra United for the 2019-20 season.

It comes after the defender was named player of the year in Canberra's premier league, helping Belconnen United claim their ninth straight premiership and another treble finish.

Former Blue Devils coach Antoni Jagarinec recognised Rasschaert's potential and pushed her towards breaking into the W-League, but the centre-back admits she was surprised when Heather Garriock approached her to trial with Canberra.

"It was a complete shock, really, to be offered a trial was a massive thing for me because I never thought I'd actually get to this level," Rasschaert said.

"It was always a bit of a dream of mine. Being offered a contract was shocking, but amazing.

"I've been part of Belconnen United for a few years now and I think my coach was really pushing me to get into the next level.

"Working with him over the last few years pushed me to be a better player and I think he really saw something over the last few years. It all just came from there."

Rasschaert hopes to make her W-League debut in Canberra, with the club set to open their campaign with two home games against Perth Glory (November 17) and Melbourne City (November 24) at McKellar Park.

Canberra will host six matches at the venue this season, including two Thursday night fixtures in rounds four and seven.

A debut at McKellar Park means more to Rasschaert than having the crowd's support because the venue doubles as the home ground of Belconnen.

"I would love [to make my debut at McKellar]. It's the home ground for our club," Rasschaert said,

"Being from Canberra as well, I have a lot of friends and family here who support me. I think it would be really special to be able to walk out in that first game and have them here to cheer me on."

Rasschaert is the 11th official signing on Canberra's roster, with the club expected to unveil two international signings this week.

International recruits will start arriving in the capital later this week, while Karly Roestbakken and Annalee Grove have put their W-League preparations on hold for Young Matildas duties.

Rasschaert says it's "intimidating but exciting" to train alongside international and W-League stars, despite being the second-oldest player in the squad.

"I think I'm going to learn a lot from the girls who have been around the W-League for a while, even though I'm one of the senior players," she said.

"There's a good vibe between the girls. Everyone is really supportive and have been really welcoming towards me. It feels surreal for me that I wasn't only noticed but picked to be a part of it.

"There's players who have been around for years in the W-League, so I think we're going to have a strong side this season."

Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses, with Garriock keen to build a robust roster capable of causing upsets against the league's powerhouses.