At just 19, Clare Polkinghorne has already proven herself one of the stars of the inaugural Westfield W-League season. The uncompromising defender has been an integral part of a miserly Queensland Roar outfit which has conceded just two goals this season.
The uncompromising defender has been an integral part of a miserly Queensland Roar outfit which has conceded just two goals this season.
For most players her age, such performances on the national stage would bode well for an international debut, but Polkinghorne is already well on her way.
The former Queensland Lions star featured heavily in the U20 World Cup in 2006, before joining the Matildas in their run to last year-s World Cup semi-finals.
With 26 caps to her name, Polkinghorne is a familiar face in the Matildas starting eleven and knows success with the Roar will help her retain her place.
But the Brisbane-born defender said she is fully focused on her duties at domestic level.
“It doesn-t matter who-s there watching you, you just want to do your bit for the team,” Polkinghorne said.
“If you prepare well for a game and think about what you need to do, all the representative stuff will come along with that.”
Polkinghorne believes that the Westfield W-League will provide many benefits for the national team at all levels.
“Playing week in and week out will absolutely help Australia at international level,” she said.
“Playing alongside players you play with in the national team can only be good.”
“We-re getting good games and regular competition against good players.
“It-s been quite competitive and the table shows that it-s a pretty close competition between everyone.”
Queensland Roar are flying high in the inaugural W-League season, sitting five points clear in first.
Polkinghorne-s team has been unstoppable of late, winning the past four games without conceding a goal.
However, the title favourites face a long trip to Perth this weekend.
The Glory will be determined to cause an upset and climb off the bottom of the ladder.
The match kicks off at Members Equity Stadium on Sunday, 7 December at 5pm AEST.
Roar Women-s next home game is against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, 20 December at Ballymore.
Kick off is at 6pm, with a National Youth League match curtain-raiser at 3.30pm.
