Clare started at right back for the first game against Ghana, which was to be the first time the Matildas would win a match at the World Cup.

Australia would go on to have their most successful World Cup, reaching the quarter finals losing 3-2 to Brazil.

It is an experience she will never forget.

While Clare has spent the majority of her Matildas games in the number 4 jersey, in her early years as a Matilda she spent her time wearing number 19.

Dianne Alagich, who at the time was considered one of the best in the game, took Clare under her wing.

Alagich was a prolific defender who played a pivotal role in the Matildas inaugural World Cup win, facing some of the world’s most challenging and talented forwards.

Not only that, but she started in every single World Cup and Olympic Games match from 1999 to 2007.

Clare greatly admired and respected Alagich both on and off the field.

After a career spanning 13 years she retired in 2008 and asked Clare to take over the Matildas number 4 jersey.

As a gift, she also gave Clare her 2004 Athens Olympic match jersey.

Clare has been honoured to wear the jersey ever since and even has the same jersey number at Brisbane Roar.