Canberra United teenage star Ellie Carpenter doesn't just just dominate in defence as one of the best players in the W-League, she recruits as well.
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United unveiled Norwegian striker Elise Thorsnes as the club's final signing this season and it was 17-year-old Carpenter who set it up.
The pair met playing for Avaldsnes in the Toppserien - Norway's top flight - and after Thorsnes expressed a desire to play abroad, Carpenter put her in contact with Canberra coach Heather Garriock.
Garriock made a few calls and once satisfied Thorsnes would contribute on and off the pitch, she signed the 29-year-old striker who has 110 international appearances to her name.
Thorsnes said she was excited to play forward at United alongside Michelle Heyman and Ash Sykes and the Toppserien golden boot winner added she was happy to share the goals.
"This year in the league I scored 11 goals and had six or seven assists, I'm 29 now so I'm happy to play an assisting role and help those girls score the goals," Thorsnes said.
"As long as the team wins the game that's the most important thing for me... I just want to go back to Norway with plenty of experiences on the field and off the field.
"I've never been to Australia and I'm coming from minus three degrees so this weather which is a big difference, it will be hard to get the body used to it but I've played in heat before."
Thorsnes arrived just days after scoring the match-winning goal in the Norwegian Cup Final and said she wants to pick up where she left off in the capital.
"We had five silver medals so it was great to finally win one, it was a big day for me and my goal is to win again here... hopefully we can bring some trophies back to Canberra this year," Thorsnes said.
With Heyman and Carpenter away on Matildas duties this week, Garriock confirmed Thorsnes will start when United host Perth Glory on Saturday.
"I'm super excited Elise has arrived and she is the calibre of player who can make an immediate impact in Canberra, we're lucky to have her," Garriock said.
"We have two of our best players away this weekend so for Elise to come in now is really just perfect timing, she'll slot straight in.
"We've been in contact with Elise for several months with Ellie playing in Norway... that was the initial contact and I know her national coach, I asked a lot about her and I know she will be a fantastic fit here."
Garriock confirmed with a full-strength team she will implement a three pronged attack with Thorsnes, Heyman and Sykes all playing forward.
"When you have several out and out strikers to choose from it's a luxury and between her and Michelle and Ash we've got a a great strike force," Garriock said.
"It's going to be really exciting to see how dynamic and versatile they are together."
W-LEAGUE ROUND FIVE:
Saturday: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park, 4pm.
