Garriock is close to finalising her squad with just two contracts yet to be filled less than a month before the season starts.

Michelle Heyman has recovered from injury and is set to be a key leader for Canberra's title hopes, while veteran Caitlin Munoz is also likely to continue her career.

Former Matilda Garriock is taking the coaching reins for the first time and will usher in a new generation of players.

But she is yet to decide on who will lead the team and revealed she could opt for a three-captain structure to help fill the void after former skipper Ellie Brush joined the Western Sydney Wanderers.

"Our full squad will be together by the end of October and having a captain is important, but I don't think it's going to be one captain," Garriock said.

"I think there will be two or three captains. It's really important that we don't put the onus just on one person.

"Two or three captains is going to be the layout. We'll pick the players that are going to fill the role."

Garriock is casting her eye over several Canberra juniors to fill the last places in the squad.

Canberra finished at the top of the W-League ladder last year, but was knocked out of championship contention in the semi-finals.

Heyman missed the second half of the season after injuring her ankle against Melbourne.

"I'm feeling great now. I think the last injection definitely worked so I'm pretty confident and now it's just about getting my fitness back up," Heyman said.

"There's plenty of new faces and we're still waiting on our internationals to get here ... everything that Heather has done to get our job together has been fantastic."

Garriock has recruited England international Laura Bassett, Seattle goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer, Matildas star Ellie Carpenter and former Newcastle Jet Liana Danaskos.

Young guns Grace Maher and Nicki Flannery are also returning for another W-League season as well as juggling their Young Matildas commitments.

Heyman is set to team up with striker partner Ash Sykes for another season and the 29-year-old says she wants to finish her career in Canberra.

"To stay in the green and at home is one of the best feelings, I've been a part of Canberra United for seven years now and I'm never planning on leaving," Heyman said.

"It gives me a role to be a mentor for the young ones and be a shoulder for them to lean on when they need it."

CANBERRA UNITED W-LEAGUE SEASON

October 28: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Epping Stadium, 4.30pm.

November 12: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, 4.30pm.

November 19: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at No. 2 Sportsground, 4.30pm

November 24: Canberra United v Perth Glory at Canberra (TBA), 5.20pm

December 3: Canberra United v Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park, 4.30pm

December 10: Melbourne City v Canberra United at AAMI Park, 4.30pm

December 15: Sydney FC v Canberra United at Allianz Stadium, 5.20pm

January 7: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4.30pm

January 14: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers at McKellar Park, 4.30pm

January 20: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Hay Park, 7.30pm.

January 28: Canberra United v Newcastle Jets at McKellar Park, 4.30pm

February 4: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at Suncorp Stadium, 4.30pm