Canberra United's Michelle Heyman feels fantastic about achieving W-League record

The former Matildas star set her sights on taking back the W-League's all-time scoring record when she returned to her spiritual home of Canberra United last year.

She held it from the competition's inception until January 2019, when Sam Kerr took the lead and finished with a 70-goal haul.

So as the ball curled into the top pocket of the Viking Park goals on Friday night, Heyman pointed to the sky and smiled at the crowd to mark that one down in the history books.

Because that 71^st W-League goal meant more than just an outright record.

It helped United claim a vital 3-2 victory over Perth Glory on the road to finals, while also capping off a fairytale comeback to the club and elite Australian football.

"I'm feeling fantastic. As soon as that 70th goal went in [last week], I was like 'done' and I was happy," Heyman said.

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"It was a goal and sometimes it's hard to achieve goals that are quite high. But for myself, I love to give myself a challenge and step up to that.

"It's a nice feeling not to be complacent. I've been trying to earn my spot and do my hardest to change it up a little bit. I'm playing as a 10 at the moment and doing something I'm not used to, but I'm having the best time and doing what I can for the team."

Heyman sits second on the Golden Boot charts behind Brisbane Roar's Emily Gielnik with nine goals so far this season, all of which have been scored at Viking Park.

And the fans love it. Each home match the crowd chants her name and children stand at the fence after full time, eager for a signature or selfie to mark the time they saw Heyman in action.

"I love it. Canberra United is my home, it's my family," Heyman said.

"You can hear the support, that just builds me up every time I get onto this pitch. I want to give my all for them."

Kerr tweeted from the other side of the world her congratulations for reclaiming the record, while former Canberra coach and Junior Matildas mentor Rae Dower has enjoyed watching Heyman build to this moment.

"I've always said when you've got Michelle Heyman smiling, laughing and running back to do defensive duties then you know she's in a pretty good place," Dower said.

The win came as a massive boost for United's bid to end their finals drought, with Linton's side now sitting fourth on the ladder with two regular rounds remaining.

Their next clash comes against the Newcastle Jets away on Saturday, which will mark Heyman's 100^th club match for United.

"It's another challenging game, they just beat Perth 4-0," Heyman said.

"For us, it's about getting our bodies ready for that game, get back on the training field, be positive and build that momentum - it's do or die for every game out now.

"We have to enjoy it as well, and I think we did to the very last minute. It was stressful but there were smiles on the field this time."

W-LEAGUE ROUND 13

Saturday: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United at Newcastle West No.2 Sportsground, 6.35pm