Canberra United will need to dig deep in a make-or-break season

Canberra United’s place in this season’s A-League Women was only secured following a $200,000 injection from the ACT Government.

Beyond the 2024-25 season, the club’s future remains up in the air as the football community waits to see whether an A-League Men’s franchise secures the necessary funding.

At the moment, it is the only sure way Canberra United has of surviving, with the ACT Government emphasising that the payment was a one-off.

Like the UC Capitals in the WNBL, Canberra United has been forced to approach its recruitment strategy differently from previous seasons.

When operating from a smaller budget than most of your rivals, there is no other option but to reappraise how you attract talent.

In a similar vein to the Capitals, with Jade Melbourne as the lone identifiable star, Canberra United will be banking plenty on the profile of Matilda’s striker Michelle Heyman.

The focus of coach Antoni Jagarinec has been to recruit players who are either seeking an opportunity after being out of the W-League but looking for a second chance, young players with plenty of potential, or players who have come through the Canberra system.

One of the players looking for that second chance is Maja Markovski, who won two A-League titles with the Melbourne Victory.

She has impressed in the Victorian NPL with Bulleen and is now presented with a second chance in the A-League with Canberra.

Markovski proved her attacking potential in the trial game against the Canberra NPL All Stars, scoring two goals in the 6-nil victory at McKellar.

Emma Robers and New Zealand international Liz Anton are others joining Canberra this season in search of opportunities in the A-League, while Bethany Gordon returns after leaving United in 2018.

Former Woden Valley junior Alex McKenzie is also returning, following her debut with Canberra United last season.

But it is the depth provided by local players from the NPL that will be crucial in the 23-round season.

It is where Jagarinec’s well-earned credibility in the Canberra football community will be pivotal.

Having watched his approach first-hand when he coached my daughter, I can attest to his people-focused approach to football.

This approach has resulted in resounding loyalty from players who have played under him previously.

A case in point is former Belconnen United keeper Sally James, who played under Jajarinec before plying her trade outside the ACT. She vowed to return if he took over as coach of Canberra United.

Needless to say, James is back in United colours.

Another aspect of Jagarinec’s approach is his desire to play attacking football, but this won’t materialise straight away, given the number of new faces.

With Canberra United starting its season at home against the Brisbane Roar on 2 November, fans are in for a roller coaster few months on and off the field as the club fights for survival.

Ready get United? Get out to McKellar Park at 4 pm on 2 November. For tickets, visit Canberra United.