The versatile forward has gone from making her W-League debut at the end of last season, to becoming a reliable force off the bench.

United's fast start to the season saw Goldstein make two appearances, with the smiling 24-year-old saying her campaign's goal is about stepping up and making a difference.

She replaced Football Fern Paige Satchell late in Canberra's season-opening win over Adelaide United, before enjoying a 23-minute stint off the bench in round three's draw with Brisbane Roar.

In the latter, Goldstein made seven passes, created one chance and had a shot from outside the box. But ask Canberran what's made the difference this season and she'll deliver a simple summation: confidence.

"I've grown a lot actually. I think I have a lot of confidence, I feel like I'm always ready when I come on," Goldstein said.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

"When you make your debut, you get really nervous. So I feel like once that's out of the way, you can focus on your game and just be ready.

"For me, I'm always excited. I'm always focusing on what I need to do so when I come on I'm ready to do my job, try and step up, take shots and bring momentum."

Goldstein will look to maintain her momentum when United return to Viking Park to meet the winless Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon.

The round-five clash will also see goalkeeper Chantel Jones, who helped United to their third W-League title in 2014, come out of retirement to cover the injured Sally James.

Goldstein's affiliation with United also started in 2014, when the former Canberra FC player held a training agreement with the club.

"It's really special for me because it wasn't about the W-League, it was about Canberra United. That was the dream," Goldstein said.

"Being part of it, you don't take it for granted, keep working hard and just enjoy every second of it. For me, [this season] is about doing my job and being consistent with it. It's about stepping up again - always learning, improving and having confidence up front."

United is out to claim their best start to the season in almost a decade in the first of two matches against Perth.

"Perth is a side that's improving with each game. I feel like we can't underestimate them but still go in and stick to what we planned, hopefully we can walk away with the results we like," Goldstein said.

"It's different to play them twice in a row, but you know, it's just one game at a time so we can see what happens this week and then focus on the next game. We'll just see how they play and adjust to that."

W-LEAGUE ROUND FIVE

Sunday: Canberra United v Perth Glory at Viking Park, 4.05pm

Canberra United team list: 1. Keeley Richards, 2. Emma Ilijoski, 4. Kendall Fletcher (c), 5. Lauren Keir, 6. Bianca Galic, 7. Rachael Goldstein, 8. Laura Hughes, 9. Demi Koulizakis, 10. Grace Maher, 12. Hayley Taylor-Young, 13. Paige Satchell, 14. Jessie Rasschaert, 15. Jessika Nash, 18. Izzy Foletta, 19. Nicki Flannery, 20. Sasha Grove, 23. Michelle Heyman, 29. Chantel Jones. *two to be omitted.

Perth Glory team list: 1. Lily Alfeld, 2. Sarah Carroll, 4. Natasha Rigby (c), 5. Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, 6. Tijan McKenna, 12. Sarah Morgan, 13. Jamie-Lee Gale, 14. Caitlin Doeglas, 15. Abbey Green, 16. Isabella Wallhead, 17. Marianna Tabain, 20. Rebecca Bennett, 23. Katrina Jukic. *two to be omitted.