Former Matilda Michelle Heyman has revealed the shocking amount that the players were paid for reaching the 2015 FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

As the Australian team gets ready for a quarter-final against France in front of a sellout game in Brisbane on Saturday, Heyman told The Project just how far the women’s game has come as FIFA talks about improving prize money for women.

FIFA has pledged to equalise World Cup prize money for their two senior tournaments by 2027.

The Project host Hamish Macdonald asked Heyman, the A-League Women’s all time leading goal scorer, what players were paid at the World Cup eight years ago.

‘Michelle, let’s put this all in perspective – 2015 World Cup you got in the quarterfinals after knocking out Brazil. How much did you take home as a result of that tournament?’ Macdonald asked on Friday.

‘You really want to know?’ Heyman said.

‘Yes, I really want to know.’

‘So the big $750,’ Heyman said.

A gobsmacked Macdonald replied ‘Seriously?’

‘Yeah. It wasn’t anything good back then. And it’s nice to see there’s a little bit of change in the last eight years,’ Heyman said.

‘But yeah, that’s what we all brought home each was the big $750!’

Heyman said she was pumped to see the Matildas doing so well at their home World Cup tournament, where games are sold out and merchandise is selling off the shelves.

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is even talking about a public holiday if the Matildas win.

But she said there was still a long way to go for the women’s game despite the success of this tournament, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

‘There’s zero equality still within the game. I think we’re getting paid four to five times less than what the men are for the World Cup.

‘So it has come a long way in the last eight years since my World Cup. But at the same time, it’s still so, so far away from equality.’

She said the marketing of the women’s game had improved, but she didn’t begrudge the success – and potential financial bonus – the team was experiencing.

‘They’re my girls. They’re my team,’ she said.

But I think that you can see the difference within companies jumping on board. Everyone supporting the Matildas. Ten years ago, there was none of that.’

After what has been an action-packed season, all roads lead to Sydney this weekend when Melbourne City FC tackle the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Grand Final at CommBank Stadium.

For the first time in the competition’s history dating back to 2005, the decider will be staged at a neutral venue after a deal was struck with the NSW Government late last year for a reported $10million.

While plenty of football supporters weren’t happy with the arrangement – which is set in stone until 2025 – high quality games and plenty of goals followed in the lead up to the semi-finals.

Melbourne City won their third successive Premiers Plate – but the Mariners kept them honest.

The big dance will see the two most consistent teams square off, and who doesn’t love a David versus Goliath sporting battle over 90 minutes with the possibility of extra time and penalties?

Daily Mail Australia has all the important details ahead of the A-League Grand Final.

When is it?

Saturday, June 3, from 7.45pm. Tickets here.

Where is it being played?

CommBank Stadium in Parramatta in Sydney’s west.

How can I watch or listen?

Live on Channel 10 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, 10 Bold in Perth, 10 Play and live on Paramount+.

Who is refereeing?

Chris Beath – who will also retire at fulltime.

The teams 

Melbourne City

Have an embarrassment of attacking riches to call on, notably golden boot winner Jamie Maclaren, Socceroos winger Mat Leckie and young gun Marco Tilio.

Have been the yardstick all season and will be hard to beat. 

Central Coast Mariners

The competition surprise packet, who thrive as underdogs. Max Balard and Josh Nisbet set the tone in midfield, with strikers Jason Cummings and Marco Túlio providing the finesse up front.

Coach Nick Montgomery will look to cap off a wonderful season with another high profile scalp on the big stage.

Fearless prediction

Mariners 2-1, Jason Cummings with the winner.