One Hundred Liberty A-League goals. Just read that sentence out loud and let it sink in, for it’s never been uttered before and might be some time before its uttered again.
When Michelle Heyman struck in the 50th minute at Leichhardt Oval against Adelaide United, taking advantage of a mistake at the back from a Reds defender, she completed a remarkable milestone, one that may never be matched.
In a way, the goal was typical of the forward. For Heyman has always been a prolific taker of chances, it’s what she does. A goal-hungry striker who has evolved her game throughout her career and, like a fine wine, seems to get better with age.
In the early days it was the pace that did it. A well-weighted through ball in the channels between the full-back and centre-back would often end with Heyman, in the yellow of the Central Coast Mariners or the green of Canberra United, bearing down on goal and ruthlessly dispatching yet another finish past a hapless goalkeeper.
After, a wider range of finishes were added to the repertoire. Strikes from range, the ubiquitous centre-forward ending to a slick Canberra move and some stunning headers. Has there been a better scorer of headed goals than Heyman? Maybe Sam Kerr can stake a claim, but her heading ability appeared to develop overseas.
There were great moments to remember at McKellar Park and beyond as Heyman racked up goal after goal. Perhaps her most famous for United came in the eleventh minute of the 2012 Grand Final. Hayley Raso and Ashleigh Sykes combining to free Heyman, the outcome inevitable.
Later there was a trademark second. That heading ability was on show once more. A prodigious leap to meet a Grace Gill cross, and an unsavable header flashed low into the net. Glory, glory Michelle Heyman.
Far from being just an ace predator, as the years went on Heyman developed into a complete forward. The number twenty-three often sacrificing her own opportunities to drop deep, pulling defenders out of shape, and releasing teammates into presentable areas of the field.
There are also the individual honours to consider. Twice Golden Boot winner, twice Julie Dolan Medal recipient as the best player in the competition. Add in sixty-one caps for Australia, and twenty goals for the Matildas and it’s been a storied and successful career.
Legendary status is bestowed upon few individuals at the end of a glittering career. Few obtain such an accolade whilst still performing at the highest level. Heyman is one of them.
Michelle Heyman. Superstar. Centurion. History Maker.
