Flannery has committed to Canberra for the upcoming W-League season, returning to her debut club after a one-year stint with the Newcastle Jets.

The 21-year-old forward launched her W-League career at the tail end of Canberra's golden era, in which they claimed two titles (2012 and 2014) and three minor-premierships.

But Canberra has since fallen from grace and missed the past three W-League play-offs, the longest finals drought in the club's history.

Flannery believes the injection of new coach Vicki Linton is the fresh start Canberra needs to become a W-League challenger once more.

"I think this will be the fresh start Canberra needed, it's refreshing to see and I'm grateful to be given the opportunity to be a part of it," Flannery said.

"Canberra has been such a successful club in the past and that's what players want to play for. If we can rebuild through our hard work under Linton's coaching philosophy, which is something I truly agree with, I can't see why we won't have success this season."

Linton has hinted at bringing back a host of familiar faces to Canberra, with championship-winning midfielder Grace Maher the first domino to fall.

Flannery is eager to reunite with her Sydney University teammate and best friend at W-League level, with the pair parting ways at the end of the 2017-18 season.

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"It's such an honour to put on the Canberra jersey again, there's honestly no better feeling than representing my hometown alongside some of my greatest friends," Flannery said.

"Grace and I have been teammates since we were in the under-12's, so there's just a really lethal combination between the two of us.

"We understand each other wholeheartedly on and off the field, which makes it so enjoyable to be part of the same team environment with someone you hold so dearly. We're always wanting to get the best out of each other."

Before starting their W-League preparations, Flannery and Maher will link up with Canberra recruit Bianca Galic in the NSW Premier League final on Sunday.

Sydney University will need to overcome Manly United at Valentine Sports Park to defend their title and extend a 32-match winning streak.

"I'm really confident in our team and the hard work we've put in the past four months. Even during lockdown we were set on doing our own things and came back in better form, which shows how badly we want it," Flannery said.

"For a lot of us, we've been playing together for four years now and this will be the cherry on top for the hard work. It's not going to be easy, Manly is a great team and similarly to us, they have great cohesion and fight to the last minute. There's no doubt it'll be a tough challenge."

NSW Premier League final: Sydney University v Manly United at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, 4pm.