When Clare Hunt runs out for the Matildas on Wednesday night at Sydney‘s Stadium Australia in a World Cup semi-final, Kat Smith will be beaming with pride.

Smith has coached Hunt at the Western Sydney Wanderers since May last year – and it didn’t take long for the pair to form a tight bond.

‘I’ve been on a scouting mission in New Zealand, so the game against England will be the first time I’ve seen Australia play live this World Cup,’ Smith told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Clare’s performances haven’t surprised me personally, she has always had an elite mentality.

‘She has persevered after injuries and been resilient and has shown on the ultimate stage what she is capable of.’

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Hunt, 24, was born and raised in Grenfell, located in NSW’s Central West. 

Her talent from a young age was obvious, and she joined the Canberra United Academy as a teenager.

Western Sydney came calling in 2021, and Hunt has twice won the Wanderers Medal.

She is also club captain, driving standards for her teammates to follow.

Her calmness on the ball and composed defending caught the eye of Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson, who handed Hunt an international debut back in February versus Czech Republic in the Cup of Nations.

Hunt’s timing has been impeccable – she has kept her spot in the heart of the defence next to Alanna Kennedy during the tournament, and a move abroad appears to be a formality.

‘It will be bittersweet, but she goes with my blessing,’ Smith added.

‘Her focus to keep improving inspires those around her … she is a great player and even better person.

‘I am so proud of her, to see her playing in a World Cup semi-final … I can’t wait.’ 

Kick-off on Wednesday night is 8pm AEST.