Matildas star Michelle Heyman fit again after ankle misery - and gunning for glory in the W-League

FOR eight months Michelle Heyman was a frustrated spectator, missing out on glory with her club and country.

Michelley Heyman in action for the Matildas.

FOR eight months Michelle Heyman was a frustrated spectator, missing out on glory with her club and country.

But the hours, days and weeks of rehab on an ankle injury have finally borne fruit – in ways Heyman never expected.

On the eve of the new W-League season, the Canberra United striker is pain-free and primed to re-enter the fray, with her eyes fixed on making up for lost time.

Having damaged ligaments, tendons and a bone in hurting her ankle last December, Heyman endured saline and cortisone injections as well as eight months in the gym in her battle to get fit.

“I’m feeling better than ever at the moment which is a big positive,” said Heyman. “After my ankle I didn’t think I’d be running for a long time.

Canberra United star Michelle Heyman.

“So having that eight months of a break was hard, and rehab life is very different, but I’m just so thankful that I’m actually feeling good. There’s no pain in my ankle at all so I’m pretty happy.

“Even my coaching staff tell me I’m already faster than I was last year. I’ve grown a lot more muscle ad getting stronger. So there’s been a big positive from the injury, you have to take it that way.”

Chief among the frustrations was seeing her Matildas teammates secure silverware at the Tournament of Nations in July, before being feted by the Australian public in defeating Brazil in Sydney and Newcastle last month.

Being sidelined did, though, allow her to appreciate the glow of support for the national team.

“That was my main worry, it was hard not playing in the Tournament of Nations and the Brazil games,” she said.

Michelley Heyman in action for the Matildas.

“But in the long run the key is the World Cup, the Asian Cup and the Olympics, so making sure I was fit for those was the main thing, ready for the big ones.

“It’s been incredible - it was hard to sit and watch it happen, but also so nice to see finally what we’ve all been working so hard on. To finally get that support, for so many people to turn up for the game.

“FFA has done a great job of trying to promote us, and putting our brand and our names out there. I think this W-League season will be incredible - most teams are pretty equal so it will be a good competition.”

Originally published as Matildas star Michelle Heyman fit again after ankle misery - and gunning for glory in the W-League