Canberra United have secured a crucial cog in their W-League title defence, with Matildas striker Michelle Heyman recommitting for another season.
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Heyman turned down an approach from competition newcomers Melbourne City to confirm she would stay with Canberra for a sixth straight year.
The 27-year-old's signature is a major coup for Canberra United as it begins its quest under new head coach Rae Dower to claim back-to-back championships.
Heyman's decision to remain in Canberra was music to the ears of United chief executive Heather Reid. "It's great news that Michelle has agreed to return to Canberra for the 2015-16 W-league season," Reid said.
"Michelle was an integral part of our title-winning side last season and we are delighted our negotiations have been successful."
Heyman will return to Canberra in time for the new season in October once she completes her commitments with the Western New York Flash in the US National Women's Soccer League.
She made an immediate impact, scoring a goal on her debut in a 3-3 draw with Sky Blue FC and being named the competition's player of the week.
Heyman played in all five games for the Matildas at this year's women's World Cup in Canada on the way to the quarter-final, providing a valuable focal point up front.
She is expected to link back up with the national team for their two-game series against the US in September.
Heyman has an amazing strike rate in the W-League for Canberra United, firing home 39 goals in just 61 appearances.
Eight of those came last season as the two-time Golden Boot winner played a crucial role in Canberra's grand final triumph.
With Heyman the first player to be locked away for next season, United will begin the process of securing the rest of the roster.
They will have three import spots to fill, with American trio Lori Lindsey, Stephanie Ochs and goalkeeper Chantel Jones not returning.
Canberra will be keen to retain their other two Matildas representatives – goalkeeper Lydia Williams and last season's player of the year, Ashleigh Sykes.
"We are in discussions with a number of players who have indicated an interest in coming to Canberra United," Dower said.
"The process of signing players will begin shortly and we will release information when we have it."
