One of Australian football's most decorated players, Westfield Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne will return to Brisbane Roar for a 13th Westfield W-League season.
A two time Premiership and Championship winner with the Roar, Polkinghorne is a currently the longest serving player for the Queensland side and the second highest capped Westfield W-League player.
“It’s a Club that I love playing for – there’s nothing better than representing your home City, your friends and your family,” Polkinghorne said of her return home.
From the very first season, I have really enjoyed playing for the Club and representing the City. It’s good to see that not only the club, but the league too, has grown and it’s been great to be part of that."
“To come home and get games under my belt to kick off what’s a really important year coming up – it was really important for me to get in as many games as possible.
“I’m really looking forward to being back out there on the field and preparing for the new season."
The two time Julie Dolan medallist is another boon for the Roar side who have lured back four Westfield Matildas including Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry and Emily Gielnik. Between them, the quartet have over 450 Westfield W-League appearances and and over 300 Westfield W-League caps.
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Polkinghorne alone has represented Australia at four FIFA Women’s World Cups, four AFC Women's Asian Cups and an Olympics.
A captain for the past 11 years, Roar coach Jake Goodship is delighted to have the return of Polkinghorne following a strong season with Avaldsnes IL in Norway.
“Clare embodies everything that you could possible want in a player. Not only is she a fiercely competitive and excellent player on the pitch, she’s an exmplorary leader, both on and off it, and someone who her teammates have looked to for guidance for many years now,” Head Coach Jake Goodship added.
“She has been an incredible servant for Brisbane Roar, the [Westfield] W-League and football in Queensland for many years now and we’re beyond excited to have her back for yet another season.”
Brisbane Roar will commence their Westfield W-League campaign at the Newcastle Jets on Monday, 28 December 2020.