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.

The “team first” attitude that has been the mantra of Clare Polkinghorne’s entire Matildas career is again evident ahead of the retiring veteran’s farewell match on Thursday night against Brazil in Brisbane.

Retiring Australian football great Clare Polkinghorne admits her Matildas send-off match won't fully sink in until she steps onto the Lang Park pitch for the final time.

The feeling of stepping onto the pitch for the last time is something that Clare Polkinghorne admits has yet to sink in.