- Tournament begins Sunday, March 1
Matildas youngster Wini Heatley has opened up about how much she values her family – and why she is using her step-brother’s heartbreaking death as motivation to excel in the Asian Cup.
Heatley is poised to take part in her first major international tournament on home soil, and will do so in front of the family she grew up with in Far North Queensland.
But the 24-year-old also has an extra point to prove, as she will attempt to honour her step-brother Josh, who passed away following a long battle with cancer last year.
‘To play in front of my family is super special to me,’ Heatley told the SMH.
‘It’s not a secret that my step-brother passed away, and it’s even more special when I play in front of my family at home.’
Heatley received the news of her step-brother’s passing just days before she was set to play for Australia in their two-match home friendly series against New Zealand late last year.
Rising star Wini Heatley (pictured) is set to take part in her first Asian Cup with the Matildas
The Matildas star (pictured with late step-brother Josh) is set to play an important role in Australia’s quest for silverware
After arriving in camp for the matches, the Tillies defender kept the tragic news to herself, not wanting to distract the squad.
It was only on the day before the Tillies blitzed New Zealand 5-0 that Heatley’s teammates were advised of the tragedy.
‘There’s a lot of love for you down here, Josh, and I hope you feel it wherever you are,’ she said via a moving Instagram tribute to her step-brother.
Heatley has since put together a terrific run of form, representing Serie A leaders AS Roma in Italy.
She experienced her first national team camp in late 2021, but then missed out on the 2022 Asian Cup, 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics squads.
‘I’ve been in a few scenarios over the last few years where I’ve been on the fringe of squads,’ she said.
‘It’s just taught me to release any sort of feeling of having control over those situations…and to try to be at peace with the people in power and their decisions.’
The 24-year-old (pictured) missed out on selection for the 2022 Asian Cup, 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games squads – but has remained resilient
The Matildas open the 2026 Asian Cup on Sunday, March 1 when the side faces rank outsiders Philippines in Perth.
Next is Iran on March 5 from the Gold Coast and South Korea in Sydney on March 8.
Australia has won the global tournament once previously, back in 2010.
China are the defending champions.