Lydia Williams, the longest-serving Matilda, received an emotional farewell on Monday night. The pre-Olympics friendly match was held on home ground at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Williams began her career as a Matilda at 17, debuting in July 2005 in a friendly match against the Korea Republic in Jeonju. Nearly two decades later, she played her final game at home, leading her team to a 2-0 victory over China.
A Celebration of Williams’ Career
Before the game, Williams’ teammates, staff, friends, and family honored her with a guard of honor. Her biography was read aloud to over 75,000 attendees. Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, a trailblazer and tennis legend, presented Williams with a Booka, a traditional kangaroo skin cloak worn by the Noongar people. The cloak, decorated with the story of Williams and her family, was draped over her by Goolagong-Cawley, a Wiradjuri woman.
Williams expressed her emotions to the crowd, saying, “To receive that gift from Evonne was just incredible and I think that was probably the moment that tipped me over emotionally.” She added, “A lot of sporting women in Australia just want to leave the game better than when they first arrived in it and don’t really realize the impact of how they have shaped the culture of not only women’s sport, but just Australian sport.”
Significance of the Moment
Receiving the Booka from such an icon was humbling for Williams. She reflected on the significance of the moment, especially for her younger self. “That was kind of a cap off to the kid that grew up in the desert that fell in love with football,” she said. Her teammates paid tribute by unveiling uniforms with “Thank You Lyds” printed on them, honoring her contributions to the sport.
Williams took to the field wearing the captain’s armband, leading her team with pride and determination.
Final Moments on the Field
Just before halftime, coach Tony Gustavsson substituted Williams, bringing on goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Williams left the field to a standing ovation, with the crowd cheering and applauding her illustrious career.
Teammate Clare Hunt praised Williams, saying, “It was just an awesome celebration of all that she’s achieved personally in her career but also for Australian women’s football and women’s football across the world. It’s always a privilege to share the field with Lyds.”
Hunt added, “She’s very old-haired and very mature and very experienced, so it’s amazing to be able to be in an environment where you learn from her every single day.”
Looking Ahead
Williams announced that she will retire from goalkeeping in late July after the Paris Games. Her departure marks the end of an era for the Matildas and Australian women’s football. Her leadership, experience, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport.
