She might be the W-League's most prolific goal scorer in history, but Gungahlin United goal keeper Kailey Tonini says new signing Michelle Heyman will need to earn her stripes like everyone else.
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Unbeaten Gungahlin has landed a major coup securing Heyman for 2021, following the 32-year-old's 10-goal summer that helped United return to the W-League top four.
The star striker is stuck on the sideline for another three or four weeks with the quad injury that kept her out of Canberra's W-League semi-final loss to Sydney FC, but is hopeful of making her Gungahlin debut later this month.
"Every person in our squad competes for their spot every week, she will be competing just like everyone else" Tonini said.
"We have a high rotation up the front so she will slot in where she fits. We are really excited to welcome Michelle to the club, she is certainly accomplished and experienced.
"She is going to really complement the talent we already have in the squad, we were already contenders but having Michelle on board will be great for the team."
Heyman has 73 W-League goals to her name, and a further 20 for the Matildas in 61 appearances for her country.
She'll provide a massive attacking boost to Gungahlin, which has scored 11 goals already this season and conceded just one en route to their perfect 3-0 start.
They face their biggest test of the season on Sunday against Belconnen United who have also won their first three, piling on 20 goals in the process.
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"We have to be really solid in the middle, keep the ball and really no mucking around at the back," Tonini said.
"It's just got to be clinical, it's got to be quick and easy transitions because Belconnen are fantastic in their pressure.
"It will be won in the midfield. It will be about holding out a very attacking side, it's a team effort at the end of the day and if we can keep possession and be effective in how we use it then I think we can win this game."
