Concern rises as ALW season advances without internationals
The A-League Women (ALW) is moving forward with a schedule that emphasizes domestic competition ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but not without controversy. Canberra United veteran Michelle Heyman has spoken out about how the absence of international players from the league could affect both the level of play and the development pipeline for the Matildas. As the team prepares for their final pre-tournament matches, Heyman’s comments reflect a broader debate in Australian women’s football about balancing club commitments with national-team ambitions.
Heyman’s stance: ‘uncomfortable’ with the current setup
Heyman described her position as “uncomfortable” with the ALW continuing largely without the country’s top players because they are with the national team. The Matildas’ upcoming fixtures, which serve as crucial warm-ups for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, have intensified scrutiny on how players balance club duties with international obligations. For Heyman, the issue is not just about the talent on the field but about the competitive rhythm and visibility that comes with playing alongside the country’s elite players.
Impact on players and development
Veteran players like Heyman have long argued that domestic competition benefits from the presence of international teammates who bring experience, pace, and tactical variety. When the best players are away, the domestic league loses a level of intensity that can be essential for younger players watching and learning from established internationals. The concern is that the ALW risks becoming a second-tier competition in those periods, potentially dampening the pipeline for the Matildas and the broader national program.
What this means for the Matildas ahead of the Asian Cup
With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup approaching, the Matildas are looking to fine-tune formations, tactics, and chemistry. The absence of ongoing international fixtures within the ALW means fewer opportunities for national-team players to gel in a domestic setting before the tournament begins. This could place additional emphasis on training camps, friendlies, and late-season matches overseas where the team can continue to build cohesion. Heyman’s comments bring into focus the tension between club and country that has long affected international football in Australia.
What stakeholders are saying
Club officials, coaches, and national team staff have all weighed in on the dilemma. Some argue that the ALW’s schedule must be flexible to accommodate international commitments, while others emphasize the importance of sustaining a high-quality domestic league year-round. The ongoing discussion centers on how to optimize both the domestic product and the national program, ensuring that players receive regular competitive football while also meeting national-team demands ahead of major tournaments.
Looking ahead
As the Matildas prepare for their last matches before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, all eyes will be on how the league adapts. Whether the ALW can maintain momentum in the absence of international players or whether adjustments to the calendar will be necessary remains to be seen. For Heyman and other veterans, the broader goal is to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of Australian women’s football, so the national team can enter Asia on the strongest possible footing.
Key takeaway
Michelle Heyman’s remarks highlight a central question for Australian football: how to balance national-team duties with domestic competition in a way that preserves both players’ development and the league’s quality on the world stage.
