How do you say goodbye to someone like Clare Polkinghorne? Such is the journey she has gone on with the Matildas across an 18-year international career, doing so was always going to prove difficult. The stalwart has, at least, ensured she is going out on her own terms, honoured for her legacy with a send-off game in her hometown of Brisbane on Thursday, and celebrated with an emotional ovation when she was substituted off in the 63rd minute. Of course, this send-off happened to come against fierce rivals Brazil, who did their bit to dampen things by striking twice early on, on the way to a physical, 3-1 win.
The most-capped player – man or woman – ever in an Australian shirt, Polkinghorne was commemorated with an individual entrance ahead of her 168th game, as well as a presentation by fellow Queensland great Darren Lockyer and a video tribute she watched on with her family. It was enough to bring many of her teammates to tears but, characteristically, the defender was loath to soak in the adulation, ending a brief speech with “Thank you very much and let’s get on with it.”
