Brisbane Roar W-League skipper and Westfield Matildas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne has been named in Football Federation Australia’s Team of the Decade (Women’s 2000 -2013).
Brisbane Roar W-League skipper and Westfield Matildas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne has been named in Football Federation Australia-s Team of the Decade (Women-s 2000 -2013).
In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of FIFA Membership at a Hall of Fame Function in Melbourne, FFA announced eight Teams of the Decade today:
• Men-s 1963-1970
• Men-s 1971-1980
• Men-s 1981-1989
• Men-s 1990-1999
• Men-s 2000-2013
• Women-s 1979-1989
• Women-s 1990-1999
• Women-s 2000-2013
Polkinghorne is the reigning Westfield W-League Julie Dolan medallist for Player of the Year, the Australian Female Footballer of the Year 2010 and has captained Brisbane Roar since 2009 before she was named Australian co-captain with earlier this year.
The 24-year-old was also part of the 2010 AFC Women-s Asian Cup-winning squad and has played at two FIFA World Cups (2007 in China and 2011 in Germany).
She was named alongside some of the best female footballers ever to don the green and gold for Australia, including her childhood hero Dianne Alagich who handed over the #4 jersey to Polkinghorne when she retired.
“It-s an honour to be chosen in the Team of the Decade alongside players I looked up to when I first came into the Matildas team,” Polkinghorne said.
“The experience of playing with these great names in Australian football has helped me become the player I am today.”
Full team:
Melissa Barbieri (GK)
Collette McCallum (D)
Clare Polkinghorne (D)
Cheryl Salisbury (D) CAPTAIN
Dianne Alagich (D)
Sally Shipard (M)
Heather Garriock (M)
Joanne Peters (M)
Sarah Walsh (F)
Kate Gill (F)
Lisa De Vanna (F)
Coach: Tom Sermanni
Polkinghorne and her Brisbane Roar teammates face Sydney FC this Sunday at Goodwin Park, Yeronga in round six of the Westfield W-League 2012/13 season. Kick off at 3pm and tickets available at the gate.
