- There were emotional scenes at Suncorp Stadium before Australia vs Brazil
- It came as the stadium paid tribute to retired legend Clare Polkinghorne.
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Suncorp Stadium let out a roar for Clare Polkinghorne on Thursday night as the retired Matildas legend led her team onto the Brisbane field for the final time.
The 35-year-old is set to finish her Matildas career following the international break, and tonight’s friendly against Brazil will be her 168th appearance for Australia.
The game adds to his astonishing appearance record, with the Matildas defensive stalwart being the leading appearance maker of all time.
Polkinghorne appeared moved by the reception, fighting back tears, as fans inside the stadium waved banners with messages of thanks for her sensational career playing for Australia.
He greeted several members of his family before approaching the microphone to deliver a brief pre-game thank-you message that appeared to bring several of his teammates to tears.
“Just a quick word from me because we’ve got a game to go on,” the former Brisbane Roar star said.
Matildas star Clare Polkinghorne was welcomed to Suncorp Stadium for the final time on Thursday night with a huge roar.
Her Matildas teammates showed emotion as they fought back tears, as the stadium paid tribute to Australia’s retired captain.
It came ahead of Australia’s game against Brazil on Thursday afternoon, with Polkinghorne’s teammates paying tribute to the outgoing legend before kick-off.
“It’s very special for me to be here and celebrate in front of my home fans, in a city I grew up in and in a stadium I absolutely love.
“This team has been everything to me. It’s been an incredible journey. And I’m so grateful for everything everyone has done along the way.
“Thank you very much and let’s move on,” he added.
The legendary number 4 also received a framed Matildas jersey which appeared to have been signed by several of her teammates.
Polkinghorne made his debut for Matilda in 2006 and has allowed 16 goals during that time, playing in the 2007 World Cup, the 2011 World Cup and was a member of the unused team in the 2015 World Cup.
She has also been selected to represent Australia in three Olympic Games.
Ahead of tonight’s match, Polkinghorne spoke about how much it meant to her to represent her country for the last time in her hometown of Brisbane.
Polkinghorn gave a short speech before the game in which he stated: ‘This team has been everything to me. It’s been an incredible journey. And I’m so grateful for everything everyone has done.’
Tonight’s match was Polkinghorne’s 168th cap for the Australian team.
Before the match, she admitted how “special” it was for her to play for the Matildas for the last time in Brisbane.
“Obviously it’s really special for me to be able to come back to Brisbane and play one last game in the city I grew up in, in the stadium that means so much to me, and in front of my family, my friends and everyone.” the people who have helped me along my journey and without whom I would not be here today,” he said.
“So it’s an opportunity for me to thank them for everything they did in my career, and it’s really special to be able to play one last game.”
But he added that it may take some time to sink in that this will be his last Matildas appearance at Suncorp.
“I don’t think I’ll realize it until later,” he added.
More to follow…