W-League Player of the Week: Michelle Heyman

Canberra United striker Michelle Heyman seems to rack up goalscoring milestones with monotonous regularity.

The Westfield W-League’s most prolific all-time goalscorer was at it again in the weekend’s opening round netting after just three minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Heyman doubled her tally before half-time putting her well and truly on target for an unprecedented third Westfield W-League Golden Boot.

Following the game the 26-year-old shared her views on Canberra United’s prospects, FIFA Women’s World Cup selection and much more.

It seems starting the season well is normal for you. Do you always feel ready from the very first game of the season?

My number one goal is to score as many goals as possible. Just to enjoy it and I think if you’re enjoying it the goals will come.

How much improvement has Canberra got?

We have a lot to improve on. To win 4-1 was great but we were disappointed as well in the kind of football we played. We didn’t press and we let them have the ball. We will focus this week on when we come up against Adelaide that we play our game.

Canberra have a similar squad to last year and a second year coach. Does that mean the team is expecting early-season momentum?

Yes, it is the exact same squad pretty much except Lydia (Williams). It is a good thing for us because the internationals got in late so we couldn’t do a normal pre-season.

The Matildas is no doubt a consideration being FIFA Women’s World Cup year. Is that in the back of the mind?

Most definitely. That is why I’m making sure I keep my fitness up. My goal is to make sure I go to the World Cup. I missed out last time, so I’m making sure this time is a must.

Does missing squad selection last time make you hungrier?

Yes, absolutely. That email saying I wasn’t selected for the team was one of the most upsetting I have ever read. I‘m 26 now so in four years I will be old! I have to make sure it is this one, so I’m putting everything into it.

Confidence is often important for a striker. Did you think that is something that is part of your game?

Most definitely. Two seasons ago I only scored two goals all season, which was heartbreaking for me. I had no confidence, and nothing was working for me. In the game (on the weekend) I just believed in myself, I knew I could do it. The pre-season has been really good, I was happy with it, and feel fit and ready to go.

On a lighter note, which team do you think will provide the hardest opposition this year?

Perth. They have recruited so well and will be hard to get past.

What about hardest defender to play against?

Hmm. It seems all the defenders I play against do a good job so I’m not sure actually

Which player would you want alongside you when the going gets tough?

All of them! That is the good thing about Canberra United. We play as a team, and don’t have individual stand-outs. We work well as a team, and I think that makes us different from some squads.

Who is the coolest team-mate, on or off the field?

Well I hang out with Stephanie Ochs 24/7 so she will have to be the one.