The Matildas have given goalkeeper Lydia Williams the perfect send-off in her last international match on home soil, defeating China 2-0.
In their final match before the 2024 Paris Olympics and their first win against China in Sydney since 2013, the Matildas got off to a perfect start through their attacking stars but failed to make it count on the scoreboard until the 48th minute.
Before Clare Wheeler scored the opener in the second half, the Matildas had several chances, with their first coming through a lovely bit of a play from Ellie Carpenter.
In a blistering run down the wing, the fullback passed several Chinese defenders before crossing the ball towards the penalty box. Only to find the free Tameka Yallop, who failed to control the ball as it flew above the crossbar.
Remaining an attacking presence, Hayley Raso was gifted a golden opportunity to score her 18th goal but couldn't find the net past Huan Xi.
This was followed by an opportunity from Michelle Heyman in the 39th minute. Having already done all the hard work to get past multiple Chinese defenders, the veteran forward showed her skill, athleticism and dribbling finesse but struggled with her shooting precision.
With the scores level at halftime, Tony Gustavsson made several changes for the second half, with Clare Wheeler and Cortnee Vine entering the match.
One of the shortest players on the field, listed at 5'3', Wheeler scored a banger of a header to clinch the Matildas' opening goal in the 48th minute.
With the Matildas gifted a free kick on the edge of the box, the cross found the Everton defensive-midfielder, who scored her second goal in Australian colours.
Star winger Hayley Raso - who played every Liga F game for Real Madrid last season - would follow her on the scoresheet minutes later, finally being able to score after multiple opportunities in the first half.
Raso found available room behind the China centre-backs to pick up the perfectly placed ball. Pouncing on it easily, the certain starter for the Olympics nailed it past Huan Xu after using her speed to get around the goalkeeper.
While the Matildas celebrated the win, the magical moment of the evening came when Oh Hyeonjeong blew the whistle in the 43rd minute to substitute Lydia Williams for Mackenzie Arnold.
Not one person in attendance stayed silent as the fans and players alike said farewell to the veteran goalkeeper, giving her a standing ovation.
With play coming to a halt before half-time, she hugged every one of her teammates before exiting the field, shared an emotional embrace with her protege Arnold and hugged every substitute and coaching staff member on the sidelines.
After a 19-year international career for Australia spanning from 2005 to 2024, Williams confirmed in early May that she would retire from international football following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The decision comes after she has helped evolve the Matildas' legacy and made them the team they are today.
While Monday evening was an emotional farewell for Williams, she has ended her career following five FIFA Women's World Cups, six AFC Women's Asian Cups, two Olympic Games tournaments and over 100 caps for the national team.
Before the match began, the 36-year-old Katanning native walked out onto Accor Stadium with the roaring home fans behind her and her teammates standing side-by-side in a guard of honour as she watched a vignette celebrating her long-standing career for the Matildas.
The Matildas will name their squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday as they prepare to travel to France and win the Gold Medal for the maiden time.
Placed in Group B, they face the four-time champions United States, the 2016 Gold Medal winners Germany, and the winner of the African Qualifiers Zambia, who defeated Morocco.
Making it to the knockout stage in Tokyo - the previous Olympics -they eventually fell to Sweden in the semi-finals before losing to the United States in the Bronze Medal match.
Despite being without Sam Kerr, it is understood that the likely squad will consist of the following players.
Likely 2024 Paris Olympics Squad:
Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley (c), Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Kaitlyn Torpey, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Jada Whyman, Clare Wheeler, Tegan Micah, Amy Sayer, Chloe Logarzo, Tameka Yallop, Clare Polkinghorne, Emily van Egmond, Hayley Raso, Charlotte Grant and Aivi Luik.