CommBank Matildas forward Michelle Heyman said that the team’s 3-1 win against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday evening helped a new-look team build confidence ahead of more challenges to come.
She was speaking to media in the aftermath of the match.
“It’s always an incredible feeling to be a part of this team,” she said.
“I think the last two games against Brazil were very physical, so I think for ourselves, [winning] just builds confidence, especially having a new squad within this team.
“It’s exciting, it’s fun. It’s nice to see new faces and just get a different vibe of camp. We came away with the win, so it’s looking positive.”
Heyman started up top alongside Emily Gielnik. While they have known each other for a long time, the 36-year-old said it was the first time that they have played up front together.
“For so many years that we’ve been friends, it’s the first time we’ve been on the field [together],” Heyman said.
“What we were trying to do was just stretch the field, make it as big as possible, and hopefully get some balls in and use our height against them.”
She said that, while there was plenty to work on, she was overall pleased with the work of the forward line.
“It was fun. I think we can definitely work on a few things together, get used to each other – I think we’ve only had one training session, so it always makes life a little bit difficult,” she continued.
“But the positive is, we [the team] still scored goals. We still made runs in behind. We tried to create chances, and it’s especially quite challenging when it comes against teams who sit in the deep block.
“Another learning experience, and hopefully we can turn things around for the next game, and come out firing and continue to score more goals.”
As one of the older members of the squad, Heyman has enjoyed seeing young players take their opportunity in the national team.
“It only takes one shot,” she said.
“That’s what Tommy said before going on the field – he’s like, this is your opportunity. Show me why you’re wearing the jersey, it’s your time to earn it, so go out there and give it your all. And straight away, the girls did.
“It was very positive for them, and I think that’s going to bring confidence into the next game. It shows that ability, that we do have strength within the A-Leagues as well.
“To see them shine, it’s incredible, because we all want to be a part of this squad and you want to do the best that you can for your country. It just takes time. You need to be playing games to get better.”
Heyman praised the management style of Sermanni, explaining that he believes in the team.
“He’s a very good manager,” she said.
“He understands players, he understands them as individuals, and he brought them in for a reason, so he knows their strengths.
“He believes in them, he encourages them to do the best that they can and just to bring their strengths, because if they didn’t have that, they wouldn’t be here.”
Looking ahead, Heyman has her focus firmly on making the squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2026™.
“I’m going to continue to keep pushing,” she said.
“I love being a part of this team, and that’s what I’m definitely working towards.”
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets