By Kieran Yap 21/10/2024
Above: Michelle Heyman. Photo: Football Australia
In 2010 Michelle Heyman received her first call up for The Matildas. Fourteen years later, the received her most recent, from the same coach.
Interim manager Tom Sermanni’s appointment has been met with a mostly positive reception, and The A-League Women’s record goal scorer was delighted to get the call from her old mentor.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Tommy again,” Heyman told the media from camp in Switzerland.
“He was the coach who gave me debut, so I’ve got great respect for him.
“He’s an incredible human, extremely happy all the time. He brings a really positive vibe into this environment.
“I know what his strengths are, and I’m excited to watch him bring that into our training session and allow us to grow as footballers.”
Despite being one of the most electrifying and skilful centre forwards in Australia, Heyman spent much of the last four years in the international wilderness. A recall by former manager Tony Gustavsson was instantly repaid with seven goals including a winner at the Paris Olympics against Zambia.
Ahead of their first training session under Sermanni, Heyman said it would be difficult to compare The Matildas two most successful managers.
“They’ve both got their own strengths and the one thing I’m looking for this camp is to listen, take it all on and whatever Tommy says that’s what you do… and try and be the best footballer you can so you can win games and help your teammates out.”
Heyman’s illustriuous career has seen early success and recent adulation. She is currently Australia’s most natural and effective number nine, and says that experience has made her a more dangerous forward.
“I still remember my debut and I remember feeling like a headless chook, running out on the field and wasting all my energy on the first sprint because I was so nervous and I couldn’t believe that I was playing for my country.
“When I look back, even at my last games at the Olympics, I just feel so confident in myself and my position and I know the game so well now. I’ve got all those years of experience behind me.
“I’m a very different footballer since 2010 to where I am today and it’s only gone upwards.”
Joining Heyman in this camp is past and future teammate Chloe Lincoln. The former Canberra United goalkeeper received her first call up with the senior team. As someone who has seen her career grow from up close, Heyman is thrilled for the 19 year old custodian.
“I’m not surprised at all,” she said.
“Chloe is an exceptional goalkeeper. She is pure talent and I’ve been lucky enough to work with her to multiple years at Canberra United… to see her here, I was like a proud mum.
“She really deserves this opportunity. For herself to grow as a player, to be surrounded by Macca (Mackenzie Arnold), Teagan (Micah), Jada (Whyman), she’s only going to learn in this environment and get better.
“She’s really looking forward to this camp. I’ve told her to keep her eyes wide open, take in all the information you can get an enjoy every moment because I see her as the future goalkeeper for Australia.
“I’m just super excited for her.”
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