Michelle Heyman expressed that playing in front of a sold-out crowd at GIO Stadium in her hometown of Canberra was a dream come true.
She was speaking post-match after the CommBank Matildas 4-1 victory over Argentina on Monday evening.
“I've always wanted to play in this stadium, packed,” she said.
“I never thought the dream would actually happen. So to get out here tonight and play the game that I love in front of friends and family and Canberra United fans, it just makes me so happy to be a part of this game still.”
Heyman has played the majority of her over 200 A-League Women’s game for Canberra United, where she has become a club legend.
The 36-year-old reflected on the importance of Canberra United – and Canberra more broadly - to the women’s football ecosystem.
“The generations of kids coming through that we have here in Canberra is just incredible,” she said.
“I'm always going to be pushing Canberra United, making sure that we're still in this league, and doing everything I can to continue the pathway that I've led for so long.
“I love Canberra, and I'm so lucky to be a part of this community.”
She shared the advice she received from Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni in his final game in charge of the national team.
“The one thing that Tommy said before the game is to make sure you still be you and be an individual - you're still fighting for a spot,” she recounted.
“So for me, [the goal] was just to come out here play the best football that I can and hopefully get a sneaky goal, so I was really happy to be a part of it, and also happy to set up one Em [Emily can Egmond].
“It’s a team sport and I just want us to get the win, so I feel really, really, really proud of the girls.”
Heyman will next be in action, if selected, for the upcoming June/July international window against Slovenia and Panama.
COMMBANK MATILDAS | WA SERIES ONE | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Slovenia
Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025
Kick-off: 7.00pm WST / 9.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Slovenia
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
