Polkinghorne was forced to leave the Dash mid-way through a personally successful season for her in the Texan metropolis due to family reasons, while Kennedy was also absent from the Pride's squad.

The absences of two of Australia's finest centrebacks are having an expected result on their side's respective league positions, while another Houston regular, Kyah Simon's injury woes have similarly impacted the Dash.

Orlando are dead last despite Kennedy's assistance in a recent drought-breaking victory over Chicago Red Stars, while Houston have dropped down to seventh and are expected to fall further with a large gap in their defensive line left by the Aussie vice-captain.

Julie Dolan medallist Christine Nairn has also found time a little limited at the Dash, who are missing an out-and-out superstar to compete with the likes of Carli Lloyd, who out-did their hopes for the Sky Blues.

Similarly, while Orlando have boasted the might of Marta to keep them in matches this season, the rest of their squad - particularly the defensive end - has seemed timid and introspective at times, especially without Kennedy's presence.

How the two sides' finish their respective seasons will be interesting for Polkinghorne, Kennedy and Simon, given the slight shift that's emerging towards Europe in women's football.

All that's for certain? The Aussies leave a big hole in the competition when they're not there.