Clare Polkinghorne, the most-capped player in Australia’s history, is set to make her 168th and final appearance for the Matildas at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday night. As she prepares for her farewell match against Brazil, all eyes will be on the veteran defender, who has dedicated her career to the national team. At 35 years old, Polkinghorne has represented Australia 167 times and is determined to focus on her team’s performance rather than the spotlight on her.
Despite the emotional weight surrounding the game, she expressed her desire for the team’s success to take precedence. ‘The main thing is the team comes first,’ Polkinghorne stated, emphasizing the importance of doing the job right.
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni, who has overseen Polkinghorne’s career from its beginning to its conclusion, praised her and acknowledged that she deserves a memorable send-off. ‘In elite sport, it’s not often that a player gets to go out on their own terms,’ he remarked, highlighting the significance of this occasion.
Sermanni referred to her as a ‘legend’, a term he believes truly encapsulates her impact both on and off the field. He noted her adaptability and commitment, stating, ‘I could play her anywhere and everywhere, and she just did it with aplomb.’
As the match draws near, Polkinghorne is focused on enjoying her last moments on the pitch. ‘It’s just about being part of the night and celebrating the career that I’ve had,’ she reflected.
The Australian team will have their work cut out for them against Brazil, with kickoff scheduled for November 28th at Suncorp Stadium. Following this match, the Matildas will play a series of games, including another clash on December 1 at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast and a return to AAMI Park on December 4 to face Chinese Taipei. They will wrap up the year with a match in Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on December 7.
As Polkinghorne steps off the pitch for the last time, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication that has inspired many in Australian football.
