Canberra United coach Heather Garriock admits it will be tough to retain Matildas veteran Lisa De Vanna who waltzed into the history books at the Tour of Nations last week.
De Vanna became the highest goalscorer in Matildas history after netting twice in their 6-1 thrashing of Brazil as the Australian side clinched its first piece of silverware in seven years.
De Vanna also starred earlier in the tournament when the Matildas tasted victory against the USA for the first time in their 28 clashes, while the Aussie women also knocked off fierce rivals Japan.
De Vanna joined United halfway through last season and was a standout as Canberra wrapped up the minor premiership, before being upset in the semi-final against Sydney FC.
Garriock played with the Matildas alongside De Vanna for more than a decade and said she'd love to have the former Australian captain at her disposal during her debut W-League coaching season.
De Vanna is currently playing NPL with South Melbourne in a playing and coaching capacity and Garriock understands her old teammate has to prioritise her future.
"It's an interesting dynamic and situation with Lisa, of course I'd want the Matildas captain and best striker in the world to be part of Canberra United," Garriock said.
"But she's in a period in her life and in her football career she needs to do things to further her career in football off the field.
"She lives in Melbourne so it's going to be hard to get her across for next season. Our friendship is very important but also we're both professional, so whatever happens won't affect anything there.
"Honesty and loyalty are attributes we both hold close and whether Lisa comes or not, anyone who is part of Canberra United is going to see those values instilled."
Garriock is a Matildas assistant coach but didn't travel to America for the tournament, instead staying in Australia to build her United squad ahead of the 2017-18 W-League season.
"As a new coach you want to come in and bring your own players and bring internationals in that suit our style, while also keeping the great culture already at Canberra United," Garriock said.
"But you also try implement a really different style and I think we're going to be able to do that with a combination of youth and experience, plus some very handy internationals.
"A player I'd love to keep is Michelle Heyman who is a phenomenal player but I'm not sure has reached her potential yet. The squad is 80 per cent complete and I want to have it finalised by the end of the month."
Garriock won't completely fill her 23 roster spots this month with the new mentor keen to bring some local talent into the group when preseason kicks off on September 25.
"It's very important to give opportunity to locals and I'm very passionate about continuing to use the Canberra talent," Garriock said.
"So I'm going to give young players here the opportunity to train for a month during preseason and if they impress they'll earn a contract."
Some youngs guns could have the chance to impress early when the Canberra United Academy and Belconnen United face off in the Capital Football Women's Federation Cup final at McKellar Park on Wednesday.
