With a second Julie Dolan Medal hanging in her trophy cabinet and a publicly expressed desire to return to Canberra United for Season 14, it made perfect sense for Michelle Heyman to be announced as Canberra United‘s first signing. In true Heyman fashion, she couldn’t take the smile off her face as she spoke to the media about the prospect of playing her tenth season with the team in green.
It’s Michelle Heyman! 🔐
The W-League all time goal scorer is back with us for the 2021/22 season! 💚
Read more: https://t.co/2B5Mp307Yn pic.twitter.com/PJHALQU9BL
— Canberra United (@CanberraUnited) August 24, 2021
The statement from the club referenced Heyman’s return to the W-League last season, her feats in reclaiming the all-time W-League goal-scoring record (73 goals, including 61 for Canberra United), playing her 100th game for the club and helping Canberra United return to the finals.
“I am so excited to announce that I am back in green for the 2021/22 W-League season,” Heyman said.
“I absolutely loved everything about last season and can’t wait to be back training and playing with the girls.
“I’m just so happy and grateful for another opportunity to represent Canberra, play in front of our amazing fans and push for another finals appearance.”
Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton said she is really pleased to have Heyman back and playing for Canberra.
“I really enjoyed seeing her come back to the game last year and do so well and I hope she enjoys another great season this year.”
Heyman expressed a desire to assist in the development of younger squad members as an important priority for her once again this season.
It was evident in Season 13 that Heyman played with a level of freedom and joy, and she noted how her experience in the off-season with the young Gungahlin United club in the Capital Football NPLW season has contributed to a similar reinvigorated feeling coming into Season 14.
Heyman had a belated start to her 2021 NPLW campaign as she recovered from a hip injury incurred in the back end of the last W-League season. While the hip is still a work in progress, she has made six appearances in the back end of the season to date.
With the W-League season commencing mid-November, Heyman and the team in green will – Covid willing – be able to enjoy a long pre-season in the countdown to Match Day 1.
