There are growing calls for current Matildas and Brisbane Roar defender Clare Polkinghorne to be honoured with a statue outside Suncorp Stadium.
The Queensland-born and bred sporting icon is one of Australia’s most successful footballers and has enjoyed a storied career, one that still perhaps has a few chapters left to write. But many believe the time is now to have the Matilda and W-League legend recognised.
Her coach at Brisbane Roar, Jake Goodship, has echoed the sentiments of the wider footballing community in encouraging authorities to immortalise Polkinghorne and also women who have had a major influence on the sporting landscape.
“Supporting champions such as Clare will do wonders for the growth of football and women’s sport,” he said.
“She is not only a national sporting hero but someone every Queenslander can relate to in terms of a positive role model.
“She is more than an elite athlete/ footballer, she is also as an incredible person.
“It’s easy to see the positive impact Clare’s actions, behaviours and mannerisms have on young upcoming and aspiring footballers and sportswomen.”
The 125-cap Matilda is about to embark on her second Olympic Games in Tokyo, and has also been part of four World Cup campaigns for her country. She was a member of the 2010 Asian Cup winning team.
The future Hall of Famer has also played 139 games for the Roar, and was part of two W-League championship winning teams in 2008/9 and 2010/11.
The dual Julie Dolan Medallist (2013 and 2018) also won a Women’s National Soccer League title in 2005 with the Queensland Sting.
Polkinghorne has also played professionally in the USA, Japan, Norway and Sweden in a much celebrated career that has spanned over 16 years at the top level.
It is a CV that would rival any other footballer or sportsperson.
Goodship pointed out that with the 2023 Women’s World Cup coming to Australia and New Zealand, it would be a fitting tribute to one of the all time Australian footballing greats to have a statue in her honour. But he also suggested other influential women should be considered as well.
“In my opinion, not only is Clare worthy of a mention but also Elaine Watson for what she’s achieved and done for the game locally and nationally too,” said Goodship.
“I believe it’s crucial for the growth of the sport and its reputation to acknowledge those achievements within women’s football. It would further inspire young athletes and followers of the game who can resonate with the statue.”
There is an online petition currently going on that is aiming for 1000 signatures to encourage the statue to be built.Polkinghorne
Goodship added:
“I think we can see the passion within the local community, the huge support within its push for a statue to be supported and placed outside Suncorp and to recognise achievements made not only in men’s sport but women’s sport too.”
PistolPete
Guest
Move on mate. He made a mistake and he is now trying to do the right thing.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
She's a champion. Just sign.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Signed and all my family members will as well.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Come on - to get a statue outside Suncorp you have to ask an important question - How many State of Origin games did she represent Queensland in against NSW? That is the pinnacle, isn't it? I'll view the petition and sign it - great to have a footballer and wonderful to have a female footballer, too. Her "CV" does read well!
Waz
Roar Rookie
Could I please encourage everyone not just to read this article, but also to click the link and sign the petition - it takes seconds. Clair in undoubtedly a worthy candidate for this; but when the State Premier asked the question “who should get a statue outside Suncorp next?” not only was football ignored in the subsequent debate, but women’s sports too. This petition, organised by supporters, is an attempt to change all that - and you can help :thumbup: