Australian striker Michelle Heyman admits she feels ‘better than ever’ and is targeting a Westfield Matildas return after scoring again in Canberra United’s late 2-1 win over Melbourne City on Sunday.
Heyman has 20 national team goals to her name but retired from international football two years ago after a series of injury problems saw her miss the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France.
The 32-year-old took a break from the game last season but has hit the ground running in some style since rejoining Canberra United, the club for whom the striker scored 56 goals in 93 games between 2010 and 2018.
After netting a match-winning hat-trick against Adelaide United in Round 1, Heyman found the net again for Vicki Linton’s side against City with a finish of unnerring quality.
And although Heyman knows she must continue firing to get back in national team recognition, the Canberra stalwart says that is exactly what she is aiming for.
“I think taking a year off was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she told FOX Sports.
“Just to heal my body… now I feel better than ever. And it’s nice to get out there and have some fun and score a couple of goals.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6219790175001
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“I’m just going to continue to push every game and see where it can take me.”
When asked about designs on making the Westfield Matildas’ roster for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Heyman said the tournament was ‘definitely’ on her radar.
“I’m feeling very fresh,” Heyman admitted.
The 2-1 win over reigning Westfield W-League double-winners City moves Canberra top of the competition ladder after two matches.
Jenna McCormick’s header restored parity for the visitors following Heyman’s strike but Nickoletta Flannery’s stunning-long range goal won Canberra the points and ended a 17-match unbeaten run for Rado Vidosic’s City side.
“It was very disappointing,” City boss Vidosic said.
“I thought we controlled the game much much better than the second half. But that goal was worth three points.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6219794508001
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Next match
Brisbane Roar v Canberra United
Thursday, 7 January 2021
Dolphin Stadium
Kick off: 7.05pm AEDT
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 10 January 2021
TBC
Kick off: 4.05pm AEDT
