Before the start of the Liberty A-League season, Michelle Heyman told KEEPUP: “It’s always a hope. I missed that jersey, I miss my roommate, I miss everything that I did at the Matildas. Now I’m feeling better than I’ve ever felt, I’m like, why not? Why can’t I?”
Heyman retired from international football in 2019, having last represented the Matildas in November 2018 but the Liberty A-League’s all-time leading goalscorer entered the 2022-23 campaign dreaming of a forcing her way back into the national team, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon.
The 34-year-old striker took her season tally to five goals in eight matches – her brace inspiring Canberra United’s 5-1 rout of Newcastle Jets at McKellar Park on Saturday.
Before Melina Ayres’ injury, the Melbourne Victory striker had been in the Matildas conversation, ahead of February’s Cup of Nations against Spain, Czech Republic and Jamaica.
But with Australian hopefuls either injured or struggling for form, should Heyman be in the mix for an international return? The Dub Zone crew discussed it post-game.
“I think at the start of the season, she spoke pretty frankly about wanting to put herself up in lights and not completely close off that option,” said Dub Zone panellist and former Liberty A-League player Grace Gill.
“Whether or not she’s had the quality across the season, up until this point, she hasn’t been scoring as consistently as she would expect herself to, and perhaps some of our expectations – Michelle being the all-time leading scorer in the competition.
She still has a little work to do. But certainly, if she continues on in this kind of form, from now until the end of the season scoring one or two goals a game, then absolutely. She can be putting her hand up for a fringe position or pushing other people.
“The front selection of domestic-based Matildas players and who are actually performing. There is not a lot in the way of certainties in those positions.”
Also on the Dub Zone couch, panellist and Liberty A-League commentator Teo Pellizzeri had his say on Heyman.
“Michelle Heyman is at the right team to rally around her and generate a PR Campaign,” he added.
Heyman wouldn’t have been my top choice but through the attrition of what’s going on around the league – Remy [Siemsen] leaving, Melina Ayres injured, Chelsie Dawber and Adelaide United misfiring, none of the youngsters of Perth are ready.
“Next World Cup cycle we’re probably going to talk about someone like Alana Jancevski but not for this World Cup cycle.
“I think Heyman, five goals in eight now. Involvement in more goals in that team that has many avenues to goal.
“Maybe [a Matildas call], but it’s up to the Canberra fans. It’s the right team, the right town, with the right kind of media to rally around her and put the pressure on.”
Heyman, herself, was asked by the Dub Zone crew about her Matildas chances.
“Probably not, I’m not going to lie,” Heyman said when asked if she expected a goal for next month’s internationals in New South Wales.
“I’m just going to continue doing what’s best for Canberra United. A smiling Michelle is a happy Michelle and that’s when I usually score the goals.
I’m going to continue to just have the best time on the field and do my job, do it well.
“I think I have the confidence now and the ball is finally finding the back of the net. For myself, it’s just making sure I’m in the right spot at the right time to score those goals.”
