'It's always special': Polkinghorne relishing Australian return

Clare Polkinghorne hopes that the Westfield Matildas use November's matches against Chile as a stepping stone for a push at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. 

After their famous two victories against Brazil at the same venues in 2017, the Westfield Matildas will again be playing a double header in Penrith and Newcastle against South American opposition.

And this time around, FIFA Women's World Cup debutants Chile will be aiming to put one of the tournament's favourites on notice. 

Last year's success saw record crowds go through the turnstiles at Penrith and Newcastle and Polkinghorne is aiming for a similar situation when the current Copa America Femenina runners-up come Down Under.

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"It's always special to be able to play at home. We don't have many games that we play in Australia so it's important that when we do, we really make the most of it," she said. 

"I think these games are going to be very well supported and as the W-League just started there'll be a real buzz about women's football.

"I'm sure many people will come out and support us again which is really exciting because these games are really important to us and with the World Cup next year it will give us a good indication again of where we're at."

C. Polkinghorne


The 29-year-old defensive stalwart has been a major part of the Westfield Matildas rise in recent times.

But although Alen Stajcic's side have made huge strides over the past 12 months, Polkinghorne says Australia are striving to reach new heights ahead of their double-header with Chile.

"We've come a long way and to have supporters and fans that are buying our jerseys with our names is pretty incredible and it's just a testament as to how far we've come as a group. 

"I think the most important thing for us now is to go a foot further and to not just be satisfied with where we're at, [and] to continuously be better and improve as a group. 

"I think we can definitely do more and that's exciting."

Clare Polkinghorne goal