It was Canberra United goalkeeper Keeley Richards' first port of call after reading through countless messages of congratulations in the wake of her W-League debut last week.

Four knee surgeries left Richards fearing her time would never come, but she was called in and recorded a clean sheet against Western Sydney.

The celebrations were somewhat low key - among them a quick browse for a Batmobile toy she simply had to get her hands on.

Now Richards is set to return to action when Canberra face Sydney FC in a top of the table clash at Kogarah Oval on Monday afternoon.

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Is there another gift on the radar should she shut down the firing ladder leaders? Maybe, but for now a charge towards the W-League finals will do just fine.

"Obviously the goal for us from the start of the season has been to make that top four and to be playing finals football," Richards said.

"Given how well we've started the season, it would be foolish to not expect to keep that going.

"They are on a roll, Sydney always have been. That could also be their undoing, they'll come in complacent having not lost a game and well clear on top of the ladder.

"Sydney are going to be a very tough team to beat, they've only conceded one goal all season.

"They clearly know how to put them in the back of the net, hopefully we'll all be up to the task, go away and get the three points there as well.

"I know people up home didn't expect much of us come this season. It's been fantastic to sit back in the first four games and watch the girls prove them wrong, and then get my chance to be a part of it as well. It's been fantastic."

Richards has relished her time in Canberra colours under Vicki Linton.

"It's been amazing. I moved down from Brissy and I didn't know anyone at the start of the season but this has been one of the best teams I have ever been involved in," Richards said.