Michelle Heyman has been named the most outstanding individual performer of the 2020/21 W-League campaign, awarded the Julie Dolan Medal at this year’s Dolan Warren Awards.
A triumphant return to the professional league saw Heyman boot 10 goals and record three assists from 12 appearances this season, helping Canberra United secure their first finals spot since 2017.
Heyman said it meant a lot to know she’s still got what it takes and the secret to her success is simply enjoying playing football.
“It means a lot, coming out of retirement, to be able to put my boots back on and have some fun with Canberra United and to show that I’m still capable of playing,” Heyman said.
“I think it’s a big thing for myself but it’s just the recognition that you enjoy playing football. You can always succeed and that’s always been my motto.
“As long as I’m enjoying it, loving it and smiling, I usually play well and I think that’s what we noticed from Canberra United this season.”
Heyman won the award with 19 votes, two clear of Emily Gielnik (Brisbane Roar) and Kyra Cooney-Cross (Melbourne Victory), and said she was humbled to stand beside such strong athletes.
“It’s always an honour to be represented among the best within the Westfield W-League,” she said.
“Both of the other players had their best seasons, especially Kyra. I’m a big fan of hers. I think for a young player she’s done so well this season and she’s really stepped up into that more mature role on the field.
“It’s the same with Emily, at the beginning of the season she was getting a little bit frustrated. She set high standards for herself and she wasn’t scoring as many goals as what she wanted with the number of opportunities she was creating.
“But she then came out to the public about it, she really wanted to shift that mindset. She then became the leading goal scorer.
“To be up against the best in the business, it’s always great because I’m good friends with both of them.”
Heyman was the sole Canberra United player named in the W-League Team of the Season that was announced back in April.
Heyman also became the W-League’s all time leading goal scorer this season, surpassing Sam Kerr with a double in Round 12 against the Perth Glory.
Julie Dolan Medal Voting System
At the conclusion of each regular season match, a panel of technical football experts and media representatives appointed by the Australian Professional League (APL), as well as the match officials independently allocate players votes on a 3-2-1 basis. APL independently collates these votes into an official 3-2-1 vote for each match.
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