The 26-year-old managed three clean sheets between the posts during the 2020-22 season, following her debut in round five after starting goalkeeper Sally James suffered an injury.

Richards has had her own injury worries during her career, forcing her to undergo four operations after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament twice and undergoing a meniscus repair.

She spent the off-season with Logan United in the Queensland NPLW, where she has made more than 100 appearances over five seasons.

Richards said it was an easy decision to return to Canberra for her second W-League campaign and she was determined to help the side go one better than last year's semi-final defeat.

"The experience last year was incredible and the opportunity to continue to work with and learn from Chantel Jones and Vicki Linton was something I jumped at," she said.

"The culture of the club is like no other team I've been involved with and it's a privilege to be a part of that again.

"Getting knocked out in the semi last year was tough, it would be amazing to be able to take it one step further this season."

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Richards is the first goalkeeper to be announced for the squad, marking the sixth signing announcement for United behind Grace Maher, Michelle Heyman, Emma Ilijoski, Laura Hughes and Allira Toby.

Head coach Vicki Linton said she was looking forward to seeing what Richards could do in her second season in green.

"It is good to have Keeley back," Vicki said.

"After making her debut last season I am sure she will be keen to get back into the environment, continue to develop and learn and build on her performance from last year."