Danny Colaprico, Sofia Huerta and Katie Naughton are all likely to start on Sunday’s W-League double header opener against Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium.

The trio all played a part in the 2016 NWSL season as the Red Stars finished third on the table and were beaten 2-1 after extra-time in the semi-final play-off against Washington Spirit.

Colaprico, 23 has the 2015 NWSL Rookie of the Year accolade to her name and was excited to come up against Chicago teammate and Victory forward Samantha Johnson.

“I wouldn’t say we’re nervous but I think it’ll be a cool experience being on the same field as a teammate (Johnson) we play with at Chicago, but on the opposite team,” Colaprico said.

“That’ll be a little weird for all of us, I think we’re excited. We want to win, we’re really excited for the first game, all three of us hate to lose and we’ve talked about this multiple times.

“One thing we’ve noticed is everyone’s really nice here and very welcoming especially on the team, which was a big part of coming into our first training, everyone was so nice. It made it that much easier to adjust to soccer.”

Huerta, 22, was also keen to for a new experience in Australia after deciding to take a break during the last NWSL off-season and believed the new journey would keep her reinvigorated.

She holds four Mexican caps with two international goals to her name.

“We watched training and we trained for the first time yesterday and it was definitely a lot different to expected, it was hard and I was tired,” Huerta joked.

“I’ve only heard good things about the W-League, there are girls in the NWSL who have played here and they loved it, so I think that’s something I definitely wanted to do. It’s just a plus that Katie and Danny are here with me."

Naughton also spoke of the differences and similarities between women's football in Australia and America.

“You can tell these girls are competitive and they want to get better which is what it’s like back home,” Naughton said.

“I think this is a great environment for us to only grow and work on the things we want to do and implement that with the team which is really exciting and I think we’re just ready to start playing and get these games on the road.”

Melbourne City once again will be the team to beat in W-League season 2016/17 however Reds coach Huss Skenderovic was content with the spread of talent on show.

And after bringing rising star Alex Chidiac back to her home town from Championship side City, Skenderovic was confident the Reds could challenge for the title.

“We’re excited the whole group is consolidated together and we’re putting our formations together, the way we want to play, our principles, so we’re excited the season is starting,” Skenderovic said.

“There’s a good buzz and a good feel in the group. They’re all happy and excited to start.

“I’m really happy because the way I see football is evolving as well to the way I think the Australian mentality has liked to look at football. My experiences overseas have taken me down a different path obviously.

 “It’s given me that ability to be able to bring the dynamics and the play dynamics for the game required I do want to play. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to select and pick different players who can facilitate the way in my vision.”

Skenderovic also spoke of the North American trio stating the professionalism, character and leadership were all boxes ticked and believed the chemistry was a big advantage to have coming from the same club in the NWSL.

“We’re about learning as well, so as a group we can learn together, implement and learn from what they’ve achieved and learnt from their experience in the US which is a very successful country in respect to its footballing nation,” he said.

“I think they’re here to experience Australian culture as well, the football and the way we play. That’s where we bind the learning process together and I think so far it’s been enjoyable and really positive.”