By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Five years after retiring from international football, Michelle Heyman’s return to the Matildas is being hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in Australian sport. The 36 year old striker, who will step onto the field as the Matildas open their Olympic campaign, has revived her career with a record breaking performance in the domestic A League Women (ALW). Heyman, the first ALW player to surpass 100 goals, caught the attention of the national team’s coach, who needed a replacement for the injured Sam Kerr. Her comeback not only fills a crucial gap but positions her as Australia's best hope for scoring goals in the upcoming tournament in France.
Heyman’s journey back to the squad is marked by resilience and determination. “There’s always some haters thinking I'm too old to be back," she told. "But it's kind of fun to prove points to people... age is just a number.” Heyman’s initial entry into the national team in 2010, driven by her stellar A League performance, set the stage for an impressive but challenging international career. Despite playing 61 games and scoring 20 goals for the Matildas, including appearances at the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, her early years were marred by poor pay, a toxic team culture, and public indifference. Heyman’s battles with anxiety, panic attacks, and physical injuries added to her struggles, leading to her retirement in 2019. However, her comeback to the A League 18 months later and subsequent achievements underscore her incredible resilience and passion for the sport.
A Transformative Era for the Matildas
Michelle Heyman's return to the national team coincides with a transformative period for the Matildas. Since her initial retirement, the team has undergone significant changes, becoming the hottest sporting team in Australia. The Matildas are now more popular and well known than even the Australian men’s cricket team. Their matches attract sell out crowds, and they hold the record for the most watched television event in Australian history. This new era contrasts sharply with Heyman’s early experiences, where support from officials and the public was minimal.
Heyman’s journey is also a testament to personal growth and perseverance. After her departure from the A League in 2019, she re emerged in a blaze of glory, scoring a hat trick in her first match back for Canberra United. Her achievements since then, including becoming the leading ALW goal scorer and earning a third Golden Boot award, have solidified her status as one of the league’s most decorated players. When the opportunity for Olympic selection arose, Heyman was ready and in top form. Head coach Tony Gustavsson praised her performance, stating, "She's in tremendous form, she's scoring for fun." The announcement of her return was met with widespread acclaim, with many recognizing it as one of Australian sport’s greatest comeback stories. Heyman’s emotional response to her selection reflects the significance of her journey and the evolution of the team she now proudly represents.
In a country where the Matildas have become sporting icons, Heyman’s comeback story resonates deeply, highlighting the transformative power of resilience, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
