The Young Matildas missed out on the U-20s World Cup after falling 3-0 to China in the third place playoff for the AFC U19 Championship.

Maher only turned 18 this year, and is currently captaining the Young Matildas alongside experienced senior Matilda and new Canberra signing Ellie Carpenter, who left Western Sydney Wanderers.

Sykes has been with Canberra since she was a teenager and sees nothing but big things for Maher and Carpenter.

“Grace in particular (has a lot of potential), I’ve been playing with her for a couple of years and it’s great to see her continue to develop and grow into her game,” Sykes told FourFourTwo.

“She’s always had that talent and it’s nice to see and be able to watch her grow.

“It’s great to have these players in the team because they’re young but they’re also so experienced. Ellie and Grace have been in the league for a little while, and they’re leaders in their own right.

“Grace - being the captain of the Young Matildas - means she is really useful in that respect.

“We’ve got a reasonably young side this year, so it’s great to have some natural leaders as well as people who will perform. I’m looking forward to working with them.”

United are looking to go one better in this year’s W-League campaign after falling in the semi-finals to Melbourne City in extra-time last season.

Canberra lost 2-1 to Melbourne Victory on Saturday but had a number of outs due to Young Matildas and injuries to Nickoletta Flannery, Clare Hunt and Caitlin Munoz.

It was also Heather Garriock’s first game in charge of Canberra, as she took over from Rae Dower who has pursued an opportunity with the Junior Matildas.

Sykes said it was good for women’s football that more female coaches were given a chance at the highest level.

“Heather brings with her a host of experience playing in the women’s game which brings a certain amount of knowledge,” she said.

“It’s really exciting for us as players to be able to access that while she’s our coach.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a few good coaches with Canberra United - a lot of different personalities and coaches.

“Personally I look forward to learn more under every coach I play under and Heather is no different, she’s had a fantastic playing career, and she’s transferred all that knowledge into coaching.”