How Canberra locked in Matildas star Michelle Heyman’s return for A-Leagues Women’s competition

She was the most sought after player in the A-League Women’s off-season but while everyone else was scrambling to secure Michelle Heyman’s signature, new Canberra United coach Antoni Jagarinec was driving her to the airport.

She was the most sought after player in the A-Leagues’ Womens off-season but while everyone was scrambling to secure Michelle Heyman’s signature, new Canberra United coach Antoni Jagarinec was driving her to the international airport.

Heyman has been prolific in the ALW for a decade but became a household name last season after breaking several records, winning the golden boot and being recalled to the Matildas squad to replace the injured Sam Kerr.

The 36-year-old was off contract at the end of last season.

After scoring 17 goals in 22 matches and a handful more for the Matildas it was no surprise every club wanted to lure the star to their bunker.

Jagarinec, newly appointed to the top job at Canberra, had a different approach.

He has worked with Heyman for close to 15 years – through his role as assistant coach at the club.

Antoni Jagarinec speaks to Jynaya Dos Santos, Majaj Markovski, Elizabeth Anton and Bethany Gordon. Picture: Getty Images

Jagarinec said he was well aware of the offers Heyman had received from overseas clubs including English Women’s Super League side West Ham.

“My replies when she called or just wanted to chat football was, I’ll come pick you up and let me be the one to drive you to the airport,” Jagarinec said.

“The club and myself were super supportive of her exploring all her options and wanting her to be the best footballer that she can be and to extend her career as long as possible.”

Michelle Heyman was the most sought-after star for the upcoming A-Leagues Women’s season. Picture: Getty Images

But none of the deals offered stacked up for Heyman. West Ham were only willing to offer her a contract to the end of the year – meaning she would be without a club for a large chunk of the season.

While a lot went on in the background Jagarinec said in the end Heyman opting to stay at Canberra was quite simple.

“It was one cold winter morning I went and had a coffee with Michelle and she said she wasn’t comfortable with what was happening and she wanted to stay in Canberra. That’s how simple it was,” he said.

To a coach Jagarinec said Heyman was more than just a goal scoring machine.

Michelle Heyman played her back to the Matildas after a superb season with Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

Her experience and genuine enthusiasm for the game is infectious.

“She’s a perfectionist too,” Jagarinec said.

“She has a sensational winning mentality, just by being around her the younger players learn from her. Even the way she ties her shoelaces up is professional – everything about her day is professional.

“She has that unique ability to deliver messages to younger players and wants them to be better but does it with a smile on their faces.

“That’s the infectious part. That is what these girls, players around Australia and young fans look up to.”

This season is Jagarinec’s first as a head coach in the ALW. When he walked into his office on day one there wasn’t a single player contracted to the club.

Canberra finished 11th on the competition ladder last season.

Jagarinec said it has only made them more motivated.

Matildas star Michelle Heyman is challenged by Germany’s Janina Minge. Picture: Getty Images

“These ladies are professionals, they’ve come back with a fresh mindset, looking forward, not backwards,” he said.

“If we look back to last year we dropped 11 or so points from that 86th minute onwards – that puts us in finals football.

“So factually we were pretty bad on the ladder but internally we didn’t think we had such a bad season. We just couldn’t finish off some games, which really hurt us.”

Two signings will play a key role in improving Canberra’s performance this season.

Attacker Maja Markovski and central defender Liz Anton.

“Anton is a sensational addition to our squad and we hope she will help slow the flow of goals that we concede this year,” Jagarinec said.

“Markovski is at the other end of the park, she is a sensationally gifted athlete and has the ability to play a number of positions, she can score goals individually or put them on a platter for others.”

Canberra will kick off their season against Brisbane Roar in Canberra on November 2.

Originally published as How Canberra locked in Matildas star Michelle Heyman’s return for A-Leagues Women’s competition