While we can hope to see some fresh faces for the Matildas this evening, one of the true stalwarts of the side will be closing the curtain on an illustrious career in her home town Brisbane. Clare Polkinghorne will line up for the national side for the 168th time – a record number of caps for an Australian footballer – since making her debut in 2006.

Our own Jack Snape looks at Polkinghorne’s career in green and gold and what comes next for the former Australia captain (with some kind words from interim coach Tom Sermanni thrown in).

She is the defensive stalwart for the sporting team that has become Australia’s darling, yet after 18 years with the Matildas, Clare Polkinghorne has a clear-cut view of retirement: “I’ll definitely need a job.”

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