The Australian fullback is the second signing announced under the watch of new Canberra coach Heather Garriock, following in the footsteps of captain Michelle Heyman.

Carpenter left the Western Sydney Wanderers in search of greener pastures and found them in the form of the W-League's most successful club.

"I am definitely very excited to be heading to Canberra for this season," Carpenter said.

"It is something new and I'm really looking forward to it."

Garriock has spent the past three seasons coaching Sydney University's women's team and achieving her fair share of success in the NSW Women's National Premier League.

Canberra won the 2016-17 premiership but failed to add a third championship to the trophy cabinet after bowing out in the semi-finals in heartbreaking fashion.

But the Matildas legend and new Canberra mentor hopes that is about to change with the signing of the 17-year-old sensation.

"I'm very excited to have Ellie on board for the upcoming season," Garriock said.

"She will bring strength, athleticism and aggression to our defence as well her attacking mindset and overlapping runs.

"Having worked with her in the Young Matildas, Ellie was someone I really wanted to sign this season, so it's great to have her on board already.

"I consider Ellie as a Matilda. It will make it a lot easier for the players to gel together having played with one another.

"Some of the young players coming through are exceptional."

Carpenter moved from her family farm in Cowra to Sydney's western suburbs to chase a career in football as a 12-year-old and the move paid off.

She debuted for the national team as a 15-year-old and became the first player born in the 21st century to play soccer for Australia.