EMOTIONALLY and physically drained, Canberra United star Sally Shipard's face lit up with an infectious grin after her ''insane'' week culminated with a W-League title.
Just days after opening up about her ongoing battle with an eating disorder, midfield general Shipard helped guide United to a thrilling grand final win over the Brisbane Roar.
She threw her arms in the air and was surrounded by her teammates at the end of the match before thanking her family and friends in the stand.
The build-up of a grand final combined with sharing her biggest secret made for an exhausting week for the Matildas veteran.
Since bravely talking about her personal problems, the 24-year-old has been inundated with messages of support and appreciation for the courage she showed.
''It was draining and this is all new to me, now it's more than my family and close friends who are aware of [the eating disorder] now,'' Shipard said.
''I'm exposed, but it's almost like a burden I've let go of and I don't feel weakened by it at all.
''Of course it was on my mind, but it's so inspiring to hear and we set out to raise awareness and that's exactly what we've done.''
Shipard won't be able to party with her United teammates for long.
She will leave for Germany this week to join powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen on a professional contract for the second half of the season.
But her trip to Europe is about more than soccer.
She hopes to continue her ongoing recovery and return to Australia later this year with a greater understanding of how she can help people dealing with similar issues.
But for now, she wants to soak up the premiership glory and celebrate with her United teammates.
''My focus and energy was all put into the game [yesterday],'' Shipard said.
''It's a part of me, but it's not all of me. Initially I was apprehensive about how it would be received and it's been a pretty insane time.
''But all the messages I got weren't overwhelming, it's all quite nice.''
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