Heyman: We’re learning, and we’re getting there
CommBank Matildas forward Michelle Heyman said that the squad was continuing to grow under new Head Coach Joe Montemurro after the team’s 1-1 draw with Slovenia on Sunday evening.
Heyman scored Australia’s only goal of the match and looked lively in her 81st appearance for the national team.
“It's just a nice feeling being out there with the girls, and super happy to come away with a goal,” she said.
“I’m also disappointed that we didn't come away with the win. But we're learning, and we're getting there. So it’s all very positive.”
She expanded on what the team has been working on this week and how they have been able to bring it to life in a game scenario.
“We've been working on certain formations and how to play so to practice that out in a real game was really interesting,” she said.
“We're really trying to focus just on those movements within the team, trying to keep the ball through the midfield and swing it up to the opposite side. So when it happened, it worked really well.
“My job is to stretch the field as big as possible, control it and just try and bring the midfield into the game. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. We’ve got to try and minimise the distance in between myself and the midfield. Having Amy [Sayer] underneath worked really well, and I think we're building on that chemistry.”
Captain Ellie Carpenter got the assist for Heyman’s goal in what was an eye-catching performance from the right-back.
Heyman said she knew she would score as soon as she saw Carpenter look up.
“I looked at her eyes, and she just placed it in the right position for me to just tap it in,” Heyman laughed.
“I just love Ellie. She's got so much energy, and you just know that she's going to put everything she can into beating her defenders, and she does so every time.
“But as soon as she put her head up, I was staring into her eyes deeply. It was kind of funny, and she really got me during those moments.”
At 36 years of age, Heyman is a veteran of the national team, and has watched many of her younger teammates progress their careers from day one.
She said it was incredible to watch them find their feet on the biggest stage.
“They're all understanding the role, and most of them keep going into different roles, from clubland into national team,” she said.
“So for them to be so versatile already at their age, is incredible. It's so nice to see how much they've grown since they were all – I remember – 16-year-old kids running around the A-Leagues.
“It’s incredible to see where they are today, and I really enjoy it because they're full of energy that definitely helps me in my role.”
She said that the vibes in camp were high and she was excited to continue to grow with the team.
“There's so many players who have been pushing to get into this squad for years now, and to see them get back out onto the field [is great],” Heyman said.
“It’s everything that you want. You want to be competitive. You want to be fighting for your role. You want to be fighting for any position within this team. So to have that, and then to be so positive with your teammates and cheer them on, it's a really cool environment to be around.
“This camp has been extraordinary with the way that everyone is supporting each other. We have all bought into what Joe [Montemurro] wants to do and it's really nice to see.
“Hopefully, in the next two games, we continue to grow as a unit, and get better and better.”
Series Two
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
Kick-off: 2.30pm WST / 4.30pm AEST
Venue: Hands Oval, Bunbury
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets