CommBank Matildas forward Michelle Heyman said that while the team’s performance in their 3-2 victory over Panama on Tuesday evening wasn’t perfect, the group was continuing to improve under new Head Coach Joe Montemurro.
The 37-year-old was speaking after scoring a brace and helping lift the team to victory in the final game of the international window.
“We knew we were going to have to come out and play a little bit harder than what we did in the last game,” she said.
“They were very physical, so we had to try and use our strengths against that. The best way to do that is try and use our speed. We ended up figuring that out in the second half - go out wide, getting [Hayley] Raso in behind, and hit early balls into the box.
“It was a lot of our own mistakes - we need to be a bit more positive about keeping the ball and moving the ball and working as a team.
“In the end, we still came away with the win. It wasn't the prettiest, but we're getting there.”
She recalled what Montemurro said to the team when they were facing a one goal deficit at half-time.
“It was just a friendly, nice reminder for us to make sure that we're improving, and not letting the ball go,” she recounted.
“It was all individual performances that we had to improve on. It was trying to make sure that we dug deep and came out firing [in the second half], which we did.”
Her two goals took her international tally to 33. That means that she now has the fifth most goals in CommBank Matildas history, above the legendary Sarah Walsh, and teammate Emily van Egmond.
If someone had told her in 2019 that she would be achieving these milestones, she would have “told them she’s dreaming.”
“That's very special,” she expressed.
“I retired five, six years ago now, so to be back playing for my country, I feel very proud, and it's a massive honour to wear this jersey, and to be able to continue to keep scoring goals. That is everything I want to do.
“Deep down, I knew I could do it, and it's just nice to be able to be out here with the girls.”
Both of her goals were assisted by Hayley Raso. Heyman said their connection on the pitch was a vital one to help Heyman get on the scoresheet.
“I think I can read Raso’s body language,” she said.
“She's super fast. She's really good at getting in behind their full-back and just sitting off their shoulders. So as soon as she gets around, I can see where she's going to aim for that ball, and hopefully I'm making the same run into the box.
“Hayley always puts in 110% every time she's on the field. Her engines just keep on going.
“Even for the second goal, I know she was a little bit tired. You could see it in her body language. But she got there, because she knows what it's like to play for this team and what we have to do for each other, and that's the sacrifices that we make for each other.”
The ultimate goal for the team, and for Heyman, is to be fit and firing for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ on home soil in March next year.
Heyman said she would continue to work hard for the team.
“I just want to continue to get better and better,” she said.
“I'm learning at training. I'm trying to grow as a senior athlete. I want to be the best mentor and leader within the team, and try and get the best out of every player when I get on the field.
“It’s never about me, it's always about the team. I'll do everything possible to be part of that 23 but for myself right now, it's continuing to stay healthy, keep fit, and just do what I love and enjoy it.”
