A Mother’s Pride: Liz Sawdon reflects on daughter Winonah’s first start for the Matildas

A moment the mother of a Matildas star will always remember as she watched her daughter start for the first time in her international career when Australia played Brazil. READ how the proud mother celebrated.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 26: Winonah Heatley of the Matildas during a training session at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre on November 26, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

A proud moment for Liz Sawdon as daughter Winonah Heatley takes the Matildas field by storm.

Last Thursday night marked a historic moment for Winonah Heatley as she made her first official start for the Matildas against Brazil.

On Wednesday night, Heatley marked another appearance in green and gold in the 3-1 victory against Chinese Taipei.

The versatile midfielder-defender is a chance for another opportunity in the Tillies next fixture against Chinese Taipei on Saturday night.

A long road from her roots in Mossman to starting at Suncorp Stadium, Liz, who has been a constant source of support for Winonah throughout her career, watched with immense pride as her daughter ran out in front of 47,501 passionate supporters and captured her dream.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 28: Aline Gomes Amaro of Brazil and Winonah Heatley of Australia compete for the ball during the International Friendly match between the Matildas and Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“I was so thrilled to be there at Suncorp Stadium to see Wini’s starting debut,” Sawdon said.

“I’m incredibly proud of her, knowing the challenges she’s faced along the way, the sacrifices she made, and her drive and determination. As for the game, I think she played really well under difficult conditions against Brazil, and I was just so pleased and excited for her.”

Winonah’s journey to the top of Australian football began at a young age, being dragged along to her older brother’s football games at Endeavour Park as a three-year-old.

Despite her parents not having a strong football background, Winonah was destined to make her mark in the sport.

Her great-grandfather, Fred Hart, was a former player for the English Premier League side Leeds United in the 1920s, giving her family a connection to football history that would come full circle on Thursday night.

Described as “curious,” “energetic,” and a “strong leader,” these traits have propelled Winonah to remarkable achievements, including captaining FC Nordsjælland to a league and cup title in Denmark.

Winonah has not only embraced a new culture but is thriving there, both on and off the pitch.

“Wini has so far had a great experience in Denmark,” Sawdon shared.

“I love watching her play. Wini has embraced the different culture and now speaks Danish fluently.”

Winonah’s personality, marked by determination and a strong work ethic, has always set her apart.

Her passion for football was evident early on, with Winonah even requesting a football-themed bedroom and a football cake for her birthday.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 28: Winonah Heatley of Australia discusses tactics with teammates during the International Friendly match between the Matildas and Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

As Liz recalls, “Wini has always been a strong character – creative, kind, generous, and funny. Her kindergarten teacher after the first day told me, ‘She’s very persistent!’ Wini has always put 100 per cent into everything from a young age.”

This drive and commitment were clear when Winonah played for Marlin Coast, where Liz had no doubts about her potential to reach the highest levels of the sport.

As a player, Winonah has consistently displayed adaptability, playing in various positions across the field. From fullback to centre-back to defensive midfield, she has embraced every challenge.

Long before Winonah Heatley was sharing the pitch with Matilda stars Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley.

Her junior coach Martin Fehlberg saw the talent and potential that would later take her to the international stage.

A coach at Cairns State High School, Fehlberg was an integral figure in her development, and he was not surprised to see Winonah thrive at the international level.

“She could have comfortably started in the team two years ago,” Fehlberg said.

“She’s had to be patient, but when the opportunity came, I was very confident that she would adapt to the environment, and there’s no higher environment to make your first start in than Brazil – the silver medallists of the Olympic Games. But she acquitted herself brilliantly for the time she was on.”

Fehlberg had worked closely with Winonah during her early years, often deploying her in midfield, where she had the freedom to dictate play.

“I gave her the license to run the show,” Fehlberg said.

“She’s always had that leadership quality and confidence, and it was clear she was destined for greatness.”

The Stratford Dolphins women’s coach emphasised Winonah’s incredible fitness and work ethic.

“She’s extremely fit, and she’s got an incredible engine,” he said.

“When she was at the Brisbane Roar, she blew the rest of the girls away at the fitness testing. I knew if she could stay healthy, with her attitude, determination, and working at her game every single day, she’d succeed.”

As Liz and Martin both agree, Winonah’s journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come for the talented midfielder from the Far North.

Originally published as A Mother’s Pride: Liz Sawdon reflects on daughter Winonah’s first start for the Matildas