Nicki Flannery is on the substitutes bench with her head in her hands. It is the 34th minute of Canberra United’s match against Adelaide United in the 2018-19 W-League season. Former Canberra striker Michelle Heyman is kitted out in red and yellow, facing the club she had represented for almost 10 years. The narrative of betrayal quickly unfolds as Heyman crosses for teammate Veronica Latsko to score the opening goal.
Just after the half-hour, Flannery sends a shot high and wide of the far post. It hasn’t been the young winger’s best match, but it is still early and she needs to find her rhythm. A minute later, her jersey number flashes up in red on the substitution board. She bursts into tears before she reaches the bench.
How Foot…