Matildas youngster Winonah Heatley shone for Australia during the international break despite suffering a personal tragedy just days before playing.
Winonah Heatley battling family tragedy
While she was on international duty this month, Winonah Heatley received some heartbreaking news.
The bright Matildas talent learned of the news that her brother passed away during the build up to the break and she kept it a secret from her teammates and friends.
“She didn’t want to tell the group, she asked me to tell the group yesterday, because she didn’t want to distract everyone from the game,” Australia manager Joe Montemurro revealed.
Matildas defender Winonah Heatley lost her brother last week – and was still one of the best players on the park against New Zealand.
It led to an extraordinary press conference moment from Joe Montemurro, who reflected on the strength of one of Australia’s rising stars.
“I’m… pic.twitter.com/5hCOZBNOgf
— Football360.com.au (@football360au) November 29, 2025
“I’m getting goosebumps talking about that. That’s the sort of person that she is. She put the team first ahead of her personal situation, which would be tragic.
“For me, a person of that nature, a person with that mentality, with that character, is incredible.”
Heatley played the full 90 minutes in Australia’s penultimate game of 2025 and starred for her nation in their 5-0 win over New Zealand.
The 24-year-old defender has been capped 11 times for her country since making her debut last year.
During the last international break Heatley was involved in Australia’s biggest win for some time, with a huge victory against England to end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten run.
Heatley enjoying fresh start in Italy
Winonah Heatley has started a fresh journey this year in domestic football.
The Australia international departed Danish club Nordsjælland in summer after a three year spell with the team.
Heatley left Denmark in favour of one of the top European leagues, as she joined Roma on a contract that lasts until 2028.
🤝 Benvenuta alla Roma, Winonah Heatley! 🇦🇺 #ASRomaFemminile pic.twitter.com/2Ie4VITDCQ
— AS Roma Femminile (@ASRomaFemminile) July 9, 2025
Speaking during the international break about her new life in Italy, Heatley discussed how she has settled in at the Champions League club.
“Any time that you change clubs there’s always a little teething period, there’s always a lot of growth as a player and for one reason or another it’s always pretty tough,” she told media.
“But I’ve really enjoyed the experience at Roma so far and we’ve had so many games and so many learning experiences. I’m taking what I can.”
After a period on the bench to start her career in the women’s Serie A, Heatley has become a regular fixture in the team and is now one of the first names on Luca Rossettini’s teamsheet.
