This is the target Canberra United are setting themselves.

The side kicked off their preseason on Monday and, following their first semi-finals appearance in three seasons, are already looking to go one step further this time.

Michelle Heyman is driving the push.

"Our mission this year is definitely to make and win finals," she said.

"Last year we had a very good shot and, I think, this year is something that we've got to prove to ourselves that we can make that and definitely win the championship."

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As it's a long way from the finals series, for now the side is focused on their six-week preseason before their first match against Melbourne City on December 3. Alongside their return to the pitch, which is something Heyman was desperate to get back to.

"That's what I was missing this whole COVID lockdown," she said.

"To be back training with people, I think, it's such a high to be able to pass the ball with another human instead of a wall. It's making life a lot easier being back with the team.

"It's been like a double preseason. Most of us have been doing it for 10 weeks now, trying to get our fitness levels up, but nothing compares to being back on the field, kicking a ball and actually doing football."

New-signing Allira Toby, on the other hand, has been playing up until mere weeks ago with her Queensland NPL side Olympic FC.

The striker netted three goals during the NPL season and is looking to build on her previous ALW seasons with Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar.

"I've been playing football essentially all year," she said.

"I'm a lucky one. In Brisbane, we had about, I think, maybe three weeks of lockdown. So I don't even really know what a lockdown is.

"Physically I'm in good shape, I feel football fit. Coming into preseason has obviously been hard on the body, it's a lot more intense than NPL, but for me it's been something I've been doing for the past eight months. It's now just about adjusting to ... the intensity that we need ... getting fitter and getting better."