Westfield Matildas striker Michelle Heyman will play for the Illawarra Stingrays in the NSW WNPL.
Heyman, who played for the Stingrays in 2017, returns to the club for the 2019 campaign as she looks to force her way into Ante Milicic’s Westfield Matildas squad for June’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old is coming off a superb Westfield W-League season with Adelaide United and was one of the key signings made by new coach an ex-Caltex Socceroo Scott Chipperfield.
“It’s massive for the club,” Chipperfield said of Heyman’s signing in the Illawarra Mercury.
“It’s obviously great to have her back in the side. She brings a lot of experience playing at the top level.
“I messaged her when I got the coaching job and she signed a deal with us right on deadline day.”
Heyman, from Shellharbour, is currently enjoying a well-earned break following the Westfield W-League season before she links up with Chipperfield’s side.
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She is one of a host of current or former Westfield W-League players in the Stingrays squad.
The likes of Caitlin Cooper, Erica Halloway, Tilly Kramer and Michelle Carney are all returning for 2019, as well as English-born striker Hannah Beard.
Sydney FC goalkeeper Trudy Burke and Adelaide United defender Kahlia Hogg will also wear pink this season.
