"When Staj got the job for in 2014, I was a little bit anxious, I definitely felt uncomfortable," she admitted today. "I was unsure of what my career was actually going to be for the Matildas anymore.

"We both sat down and we both spoke about our differences, and we both decided that the best for the team was for us to just drop everything and forget what happened in the past.

"It was a big release. I felt like I didn't have to carry him on my shoulders anymore."

She added: "He was tough. But for me, that worked. I think it worked for a lot of the girls.

"And I think we became better players – fitness, our tactical, technical skills definitely improved, and we became professional."

A series of injuries has curtailed her career recently though.

"Since 2016, I had an issue with my ankle which put me out in the game for 9 to 12 months," she said.

"I was lucky enough to get myself back out onto the field and straight away, I ended up putting my knee out at the Asian Cup in Jordan.

"I tried to come back and I just didn't feel like myself. And I finally felt that it's the right time now to hang up the boots and focus on the next part of my life."

For now though, Heyman said she would most miss her Matildas room-mate Katrina Gorry.

Tearing up at the thought, she added: "We were attached at the hip, my best mate.

"That makes me actually a little bit more emotional than anything else. She was my support system the entire time throughout my career."

Heyman added: "I know I've achieved what I ever wanted to achieve. I've ticked all my boxes that I set out to tick.

"The only one that I did fail with was bringing home the gold medal from the Olympics. It's something that I've always wanted.

"And I really wanted to fight for that in the 2020 Olympics coming up, but my body isn't going to allow me to do that. My mind isn't going to allow me to do that. 

"I'm just ready now to focus on myself and focus on my career outside the sport and who knows what's going to happen after this.

"But for right now, I know this is the best decision for myself and I'm ready to go with it."