Interim CommBank Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni lavished Clare Polkinghorne in praise as the legendary defender prepares to exit the international arena.
After almost two decades playing for Australia, Polkinghorne will retire as the Matildas’ most-capped player in a send-off game against Brazil in Brisbane on Thursday before another international friendly against Chinese Taipei.
With 167 caps since debuting under now-interim boss Sermanni in 2006, A-Leagues great Polkinghorne will say goodbye as a bonafide legend of the Australian game.
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“We use the word legend very loosely these days, but I think it describes her,” Sermanni told reporters.
“She’s been just a stalwart within the team, on the field but off the field. People talk about the team player, she’s been the absolute team player.
“I know from my times in charge, I’d play her anywhere and everywhere and she just did it with aplomb. It’s going to be a fantastic night and a great way to finish a great career.”
The 35-year-old is an iconic of the domestic game too in Australia.
Polkinghorne won two Ninja A-League Championships and a pair of Premierships with Brisbane Roar while being named the Julie Dolan Medallist twice in 2012-13 and 2017-18.
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“I don’t think it’ll quite hit me until after… I’m really excited about my next chapter,” she said.
Polkinghorne is also eyeing a coaching career post-playing after a journalist jokingly asked if she was pursuing the vacant Matildas job.
“No, but it’s definitely something I’d love to pursue in the future is coaching. Just staying in the game,” she said with a smile.
“Football’s given me so much in my life and it’s really important for me to give back and continue to help the game grow and players grow, and hopefully pass on a little bit of my experience and knowledge to the next players coming through.
“It’s definitely something I want to continue with.”
Sermanni, meanwhile, allayed fears of Michelle Heyman’s fitness heading into the two international fixtures.
The Canberra United great was seen training separately in Matildas camp while her ankle was reportedly iced, having taken a knock in the Ninja A-League during Unite Round.
“It’s a minor thing. Just precautionary with Michelle,” he said.
“Her ankle it had a bit of swelling after the weekend but she didn’t actually have any pain in it or any impingement but we just wanted to be careful.
“With the group we have in here, everybody touch wood are fit and healthy.”
