After more than a decade in Australia’s national women’s team, veteran striker Lisa De Vanna has been handed a leadership role for the first time, appointed co-captain for next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside Clare Polkinghorne.
The pair have a combined 175 international appearances and 38 goals between them.
Julie Dolan Medallist Emily van Egmond and Kyah Simon were named vice captains.
Australia coach Alen Stajcic on Tuesday named veteran players Melissa Hudson and Lisa De Vanna alongside a host of young attacking stars his 23-player squad for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be held in Canada from 6 June to 5 July.
De Vanna, who made her international debut in 2004, has had a distinguished career as a Matildas stalwart but one that has been marred by controversy.
The lighting fast 30 year-old attacker, who will feature in her fourth World Cup campaign in Canada, admitted to being shocked and brought to tears by the honour of being named co-captain.
“I was a little bit shocked when I was told I would be a captain,” De Vanna said.
“I’ve been in this team for a very long time and a lot of the girls know how passionate I am and how much I go out and play with my heart on my sleeve for this team, so when Staj told me I was going to be a co-captain I cried.
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said Polkinghorne and De Vanna were fitting choices to share the role and exemplified the values of the squad.
Defender Polkinghorne captained the Matildas at last year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“Obviously it’s a massive honour leading the girls into a World Cup,” the 26 year-old said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to share the co captaincy role the last couple of years but this is extra special being on the World Cup stage.
The Matildas will play a farewell match against Vietnam on Thursday at Jubilee Oval in Kogarah (kick-off at 6.30pm AEST) before the squad departs for Canada on Saturday.