Fans have reacted strongly to some unusual pre-match scenes prior to the Matildas’ 3-1 friendly defeat to Brazil in Brisbane.

She is the defensive stalwart for the sporting team that has become Australia’s darling, yet after 18 years with the Matildas, Clare Polkinghorne has a clear-cut view of retirement: “I’ll definitely need a job.

Eyebrows were raised on Thursday night when retiring Matildas champion Clare Polkinghorne’s farewell presentation was conducted by NRL champion Darren Lockyer. Ahead of her 168th and final cap for Australia against Brazil on Thursday night, Polkinghorne walked out onto Suncorp Stadium through a guard on honour from her teammates.

The Matildas have slumped to a fiery and physical 3-1 loss to Brazil in retiring great Clare Polkinghorne's final game in Brisbane.

Retiring Australian football great Clare Polkinghorne admits her Matildas send-off match won't fully sink in until she steps onto the Lang Park pitch for the final time.

Clare Polkinghorne couldn’t help but grin at the prospect of her Matildas send-off game coming against familiar foes Brazil. Australia have an 11-2-8 record against Brazil, with four wins, one draw and two losses on home soil. They have also registered memorable wins, and losses, against As Canarinhas, the Paris Olympic silver medallists.