After 17 years with the Matildas, few can speak with more authority to the stratospheric rise of the team than star defender Clare Polkinghorne. 

In the wake of the Matildas’ history-making run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Clare reflects on the team’s determination to capitalise on their history-making World Cup run as they look ahead to the Paris Olympics, fires up about the gender pay gap excuse she’s “sick of hearing”; explains how a surprise visit from Cathy Freeman inspired the team at the height of the World Cup pressure, speaks to the power of role models and representation, and reveals what she thinks women’s sport in Australia might look like moving forward.

You can learn more about what’s next for Clare at @polks89 or visit matildas.com.au