Canberra United American import Haley Kopmeyer says playing in the W-League is one of the most sought-after contracts in the world for international players.
Kopmeyer arrived in the capital this week alongside 61-capped England international Laura Bassett ahead of United's season-opener against Melbourne Victory next Saturday.
W-League teams are allowed four international players and American Toni Pressley is also set to join the squad, while Brazilian star Camila is yet to be replaced after tearing her ACL.
Kopmeyer, 27, played with the Brisbane Roar two years ago and the goalkeeper said she was lured back to the W-League by first-year coach Heather Garriock.
"Heather reached out and I said sure straight away... I like the way the girls interact and the way the coaches let us play and deliver information and run their sessions," Kopmeyer said.
"The international spots here are viewed as coveted and when people get them they're like 'yes I got one', there's a lot of girls who want to come over but can't because there isn't enough spots.
"The W-League teams now have the ability to be picky with who they want and that only makes for a better league, so I'm really excited for the season."
The Matildas have seen unprecedented support this season on the back of earning their first trophy in seven years at the Tournament of Nations, where they defeated the USA and Brazil.
Kopmeyer believes Australia's success has helped put the W-League on the map as the first-choice destination for Women's National Soccer League players.
"You can just see how much the country has rallied around the Matildas with sell-out games which means there's that many more quality players in the league who are staying home," Kopmeyer said.
"More players are pushing for something that much bigger so I think the quality has just got higher and higher and teams are investing more in the women's game.
"The government are also investing and it's just becoming a more and more attractive place for people to play in the off season."
Bassett is a former Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds player with the veteran defender also plying her trade in New York and Tokyo.
The 34-year-old has played has never been to Australia and Bassett said she wanted to test herself in one of the world's premier domestic competitions.
"I was really impressed talking to Heather... her vision and how she wants to go about playing football and leaving her stamp on the league," Bassett said.
"I'm really impressed with the Australian national team and how they're playing and forging ahead in women's football going from strength to strength, so I wanted to come and try it.
"In the league I'm expecting it to be really athletic with fit players and technically there are some fantastic players in the league.... I'm on the wrong side of 30 but I think I can cope."
