Paramount+ and Network 10, in partnership with Ninja, are proud to announce the launch of the Clare Polkinghorne Medal, a major new honour recognising the standout player of the Ninja A-League Women’s season.
Named after one of the most respected figures in Australian football, the medal reflects the strength, growth, and global influence of the Ninja A-League Women’s competition - a league that continues to shape world-class talent.
A CommBank Matildas’ legend, Clare Polkinghorne is Australia’s most-capped international footballer, representing the nation 169 times across an extraordinary career. She has been a defining presence in the national team for nearly two decades. At club level, Polkinghorne spent more than a decade with Brisbane Roar, establishing herself as one of the league’s most reliable and decorated defenders.
The Clare Polkinghorne Medal mirrors the Alex Tobin Medal, also presented by Ninja, which celebrates the breakout player in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s competition. The winners of both the Men’s and Women’s medals for the 2025/26 season will each receive $30,000 and will nominate a junior football club to receive $10,000 worth of products, as part of Ninja’s support for grassroots football.
Clare Polkinghorne said: "It’s an incredible honour to have a medal named after me, especially in a league that has shaped so many players - including my own career. The Ninja A-Leagues Women’s competition continues to produce world-class talent, and I’m thrilled that this award will spotlight the players who drive the game forward every single week. I’m also proud that with thanks to Ninja, the medal will give back to grassroots football, because that’s where every journey begins."
Adam Cush, Director of Sport Paramount ANZ said "Clare Polkinghorne is synonymous with football in Australia through her achievements at both club and international level. To have her as the ambassador for a medal championing the achievements of players in this star-making competition is an exciting new addition for this season”.
Zoe Wendland, Ninja Marketing & Communications Director said: “We’re proud to support the Ninja A-League Women’s competition as it continues to grow. If our involvement helps increase visibility or keep great players in the game, that’s a win for everyone.
“As the presenting partner of both the Clare Polkinghorne Medal and the Alex Tobin Medal, we’re able to celebrate excellence across the entire A-League, supporting the players, clubs and communities that help the game grow on and off the pitch.”
The Ninja A-League Women’s competition remains a crucial pathway to the international stage and one of the most successful women’s leagues in developing elite talent. Many of Australia’s biggest football names spent formative years in the league before becoming stars of the global game. The introduction of the Clare Polkinghorne Medal celebrates this tradition of excellence and champions the players who continue to elevate the league’s standard.
The inaugural Clare Polkinghorne Medal will be presented at the 2026 Ninja A-League Grand Final, with full coverage across Paramount+ and Network 10. The award forms part of Paramount’s ongoing commitment to elevating women’s sport, supporting football communities, and celebrating the players who inspire fans around the round the country.
