Round 11 of the Westfield W-League marks a major milestone in the domestic career of a Westfield Matilda.
On Sunday afternoon at Viking Park, Clare Polkinghorne will step out onto the pitch for her 150th Westfield W-League. She will become only the second player to hit 150 after Sydney FC stalwart Teresa Polias achieved the feat earlier this season.
Polkinghorne is synonymous with Brisbane Roar having only ever played for the club in the league. An intelligent and strong defender, she has been a rock in the centre of the defence for club and country for years.
Jake Goodship’s side will want to win for numeorus reasons: to celebrate Polkinghorne; to carry on their unbeaten run in the league this season; and to secure their place in the finals series.
Canberra will look to spoil the Polkinghorne party as the team in green fight for their shot at a finals campaign. A 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory last week kept them in the conversation but a win against the Roar is a must.
Michelle Heyman will look to keep touch with Westfield Matilda Emily Gielnik in the race for the golden boot while also looking to score that elusive goal number 70 which would equal the all time Westfield W-League goal scoring record set by Sam Kerr.
In the round’s other matches, Adelaide United and Sydney FC will play out what could be a finals preview on Saturday night.
Sydney FC will be without Ellie Brush after it was confirmed she ruptured her ACL in the Sky Blues match against Perth Glory last weekend. It will also be Dylan Holmes’ send off match after she secured a move to Swedish champions BK Hachen.
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Perth Glory gear up for a busy week with the first of three matches in a week taking place on Monday night. Newcastle go west to take on Alex Epakis’ side. Both sides will be desperate for a win.
Kicking things off, Melbourne Victory earned a 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Thursday night.
Football Fern Annalie Longo was in the right place to finish from close range in the only goal of the game.