Canberra United will lean on Elise Thorsnes' 13 years of international experience to give them the grit they need to be a W-League challenger this season.
Canberra announced Thorsnes' return to the capital on Monday as coach Heather Garriock continues to build her squad, with the Norwegian international's arrival to offset the departure of Ellie Carpenter.
Thorsnes has played more than 100 games for Norway since making her debut in 2006. She played for Canberra United in the 2017-18 season and has spent this year playing for LSK Kvinner.
The 31-year-old is the second official signing on Garriock's roster, with more expected to follow this week.
"Elise brings an amazing amount of experience. Her international career speaks for itself," Garriock said.
"Most importantly, she's versatile. At the World Cup [for Norway] she was going to play in defence.
"For her club team she plays as a striker. She's really versatile and as a guest player, I think she's a really good inclusion. Her attitude and work ethic is outstanding."
Thorsnes has played at three World Cups and scored six goals in nine games during her previous Canberra stint.
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play in Australia again," Thorsnes said.
"Having played football around the world, I'll just be looking to contribute my experience to the squad and help some of the younger players develop."
Thorsnes joins Karly Roestbakken as Garriock's first two signings on what will be another rebuilt roster as competition ramps up to sign Australia's best players.
Canberra has missed the finals in the past two seasons, with Garriock keen to build a robust side capable of causing upsets against the team's more fancied rivals.
W-League officials are yet to finalise the draw for the 2019-20 season despite round one expected to be scheduled for mid November.
It gives teams minimal time to prepare, but Garriock is confident her new-look side will click.
"We were missing a solid attack last year, so Elise is going to help out with that," Garriock said.
"You can't teach experience. We won't be young this year, but we want to have a solid foundation and to be a team that's really difficult to beat. That's what we'll be about this season."
Canberra is hoping to play its first game of the season at McKellar Park as they wait for a fixture confirmation.
Chris Dutton
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
