Patricia Charalambous to face former club Perth Glory in Canberra United's season opener

Charalambous will come up against her former W-League side when Canberra United host Perth in their season-opener at McKellar Park on Sunday.

It will be Bobby Despotovski's first chance to test his new-look side without Kerr, who signed a lucrative two-and-a-half year deal with English heavyweights Chelsea FC this week.

Rumours have swirled around Kerr's European destination since W-League boss Greg O'Rourke confirmed the 26-year-old striker would not return to her home-town club this year.

Charalambous, who played alongside Kerr for two seasons at Perth, says her move to the Women's Super League is a great moment for women's football and is grateful to have played under her leadership.

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"It was incredible to play with Sammy. I learned a lot from playing under her, she really stands up for the girls and believes - that's what a captain is," Charalambous said.

"She's an unbelievable human and a great friend. I'm so happy for her career and how it's kicked off right now in England.

"That's a really big move and it's fantastic, especially for women's football. It's great she's making these moves.

"Her career has developed from here and she's been on a roll over the past three years. She's unstoppable."

Canberra recruit Charalambous returns to the W-League after her second stint with Cypriot club Apollon Ladies FC.

The 25-year-old defender made her W-League debut in the 2016-17 season with Perth Glory, playing alongside Kerr in the championship decider.

Charalambous is looking forward to kick starting her Canberra career against her former club and has confidence in their ability to topple the Kerr-less Glory.

"There's big shoes to fill in Sam's spot but knowing Bobby [Despotovski] as a coach, he recruits really well," Charalambous said.

"It'll be interesting to see how they play this season having Sam gone, whether they'll play the same formation and tactics.

"We get to play them twice so it will be a lot of fun playing against them. I'm expecting a deep win for us [on Sunday] because I strongly believe we're going to score a lot of goals this season.

"It's going to be a good fight of football but we're definitely going to be on top."

Canberra scored the second fewest goals in the league last season, netting just 13 goals in 12 matches.

They held fourth position on the ladder in round six, but the second half of the season saw Canberra earn one win and scoring just three goals.

Coach Heather Garriock has completely rebuilt the frontline for the 2019-20 season, adding four internationals, two Premier League strikers and a former Matilda.

American import Katie Stengel trailed Kerr for the league's Golden Boot honours two years ago, while Elise Thorsnes, Camila Martins Pereira and Leena Khamis will bring international experience up front.

Canberra co-captain and defender Nikola Orgill has been impressed with the new additions during pre-season and says Garriock has created further depth in their squad.

"We struggled scoring goals last season, I think Heather identified that and recruited some exciting players upfront," Orgill said.

"Our top three or four will definitely impress the crowd and I'm expecting scoring won't be a problem this season.

"Our defensive structure will be similar and although we've got new players, we also have core players from last year. I think defensively we were sound and will be again.

"It's great we have depth this year and everyone is on their toes which really brings up the intensity at training. That's the environment we want to foster, one that's competitive and no one feels comfortable in their positions."

Canberra United has partnered with the Salvation Army for their season opener and will accept donations for the bushfire disaster appeal on Sunday.

W-LEAGUE

Round one: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park, Sunday 4pm