Australia's humble games record-holder - across both senior national teams - will play in front of her home Brisbane crowd one last time in Thursday night's friendly against Brazil.
Central defender Polkinghorne, 35, has 167 caps and 16 goals across more than 18 years with Australia since debuting in 2006.
"Obviously, it's really special for for me to be able to come back to Brisbane and play one last game in in the city that I grew up in, in the stadium that means so much to me, and in front of my family and friends and all the people that have helped me along my journey who I wouldn't be here without today," Polkinghorne said.
"So an opportunity, for me to thank them for everything that they did in my career, and just really special to be able to play one last game."
It appears likely Polkinghorne will start and then be substituted to allow the crowd to celebrate her, though she left a decision on her involvement to interim coach Tom Sermanni.
"I don't think it will quite hit me until after," she said.
"The focus for me the next week or so is just to enjoy the last few games ... just taking it in as much as I can and just savouring each moment of it."
Clare Polkinghorne and Matildas teammates interact with fans at training in Brisbane. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS)
When asked about Polkinghorne's role, Sermanni joked "well, she's not playing" before paying tribute.
"It's a very special night," Sermanni said.
"In elite sport, it's not often that a player and an athlete gets to go out on their own terms and in such special circumstance, but if there's anybody that deserves it, it's Polks.
"We use the word legend very loosely these days, but I think it describes her. She's been not just a stalwart within the team on the field, but off the field.
"People talk about the team player. She's been the absolute team player. I know from my times in charge that she'll play anywhere and everywhere. And she just did it with aplomb, shall we say?
"It's going to be a fantastic night and a great way to finish a fantastic career."
💬 "You were one player that I really looked up to when I was younger."— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) From growing up idolising Polks to playing alongside her, @CarpenterEllie reflects on her favourite memories of playing with @clarepolks89. 🥹#Matildas pic.twitter.com/NL2GxjmhZrNovember 25, 2024
Polkinghorne relished the opportunity to play her final minutes under Sermanni.
"It's where my career started, with Tommy in charge," she said.
"And so it's really special that he's here at the end as well."
Polkinghorne was confident she was leaving the Matildas in a good place and wants to move into coaching.
Coach Tom Sermanni on the training pitch ahead of the Matildas-Brazil friendly. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS)
"Football has given me so much in my life," she said.
"It's really important for me that I'm able to to give back and continue to help the game grow and help the players grow, and hopefully pass on a little bit of my experience and knowledge to the next couple of players coming forward."
She then joked: "But I'll definitely need a job, for sure."
While many of Australia's European-based players arrived late to camp, Sermanni will field his "strongest team possible" and played down an ankle injury to striker Michelle Heyman.
Australia are without the injured Katrina Gorry, Clare Wheeler and Hana Lowry, while Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine (personal reasons) are unavailable.
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