By Joanna Guelas

Matildas veteran Michelle Heyman feels she’s finally free to be a “real footballer” after Canberra United were rescued from financial turmoil.

For the first time in two years, Heyman won’t be left wondering whether there’ll be a club to return to after Australian Sports Group (ASG) bought the A-League Women club in July.

Canberra had been propped up by the ACT government over the past two years, and the Australian Professional Leagues’ lengthy wait to find new ownership prompted fierce criticism from club legend Heyman.

Now ASG will not only take the team forward with a new club facility and academy, but will also have first rights to introduce an A-League Men side in the national capital for the 2028-29 season.

“It’s been quite frustrating for the last two years to end the season and be unsure if there is going to be a club,” Heyman told AAP.

“So to know that these owners have jumped on board and … they’re putting things in place, it just allows a lot less stress because it felt like I was just carrying so much of that load, trying to be a spokesperson for the club.

“To just be a real footballer … I feel like it’s going to be a big shift this year because I don’t have to have that noise this season.”

Heyman’s new lease on the pitch comes after Matildas coach Joe Montemurro admitted he would prioritise players based overseas rather than ALW talent.

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The domestic league – which is not fully professionalised – has attracted criticism from the likes of Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord for falling behind the standards of US and European competitions.

Heyman, who hasn’t been called up to the Matildas since this year’s Asian Cup, said Montemurro’s choice was “upsetting”.

“I find it strange that when you choose to play football in your country, sometimes it can jeopardise you playing for your country,” Heyman said.

“It is a bit upsetting … but for me, I think if you are good enough, you will make the team.”

United aren’t the only club to have new owners, with Holman Barnes Group throwing a lifeline to Central Coast.

The Mariners’ men’s team were saved by the owners of English club Queens Park Rangers, but Total Soccer Growth Holdings didn’t want to invest in the women’s program in August.

Two-time champions Canberra begin their ALW campaign by playing the Mariners away, looking to go one step further after falling short in an elimination final against Melbourne Victory last season.

“It’s going to be really positive, I really hope. That’s me speaking with my heart,” Heyman said.

“Most teams have shifted a lot of players this year, so I think the quality is definitely moved around a little bit more.

“It’s not going to just be a Melbourne City taking over or a Wellington putting their best foot forward.”

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