Olivia Price knows what it's like to lurk in the W-League's shadows but the returning midfielder believes it's Canberra United's time to shine as they look to break their finals drought.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Canberra has re-signed Price and defender Taren King as coach Heather Garriock continues to build her squad for the 2019-20 W-League season.
Price, who is a former Young Matildas captain, returns to the capital after having eight starts in nine matches with Canberra United and hopes to build on her first season with the club.
Garriock's side finished eighth last season with three wins, four draws and five losses, but Price is confident the club can push to return the finals.
"Canberra has a lot of give. It's [our] time to shine in the next few seasons," Price said.
"We're still trying to build our team together and there's some core players who are back.
"We have a few different internationals coming in and hopefully they'll gel well together. Our time is coming to get into the finals."
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
The 23-year-old is set to play her sixth season in the W-League, having previously played with Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
"I want to be seen, I want to be noticed and Heather has given me a really good chance to get out there," Price said.
"I like being under Heather and being in the Canberra United atmosphere."
The duo became the sixth and seventh players to sign with Canberra for the upcoming season, joining Karly Roestbakken, Elise Thorsnes, Nikola Orgill and goalkeepers Shamiran Khamis and Annalee Grove.
King returns to Canberra United for her third season with the club, having become a regular starter in Garriock's side.
"I've enjoyed being down here in Canberra with the team and Heather, so I'm stoked to be back," King said.
"Heather always tries to get the best out of me, she always pushes me and she's a familiar face so I'm looking forward to working with her again this season."
Canberra United kicked off their W-League preparations with available players on Monday.
International players are yet to arrive in the capital due to National Soccer League duties and other commitments, while Roestbakken and Grove joined the Young Matildas on Thursday.
"It's been quite challenging and I'm quite sore but we're just buzzing to get into it," Price said.
"We've been getting smashed with fitness which is always good."
Football Federation Australia are expected to release the draw for the upcoming season on Friday, with the opening match to kickoff on November 14.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
