Cathy Freeman made a rare public appearance on Wednesday night as the Olympics hero watched the Matildas book their place at the Paris Games.
Four goals from Michelle Heyman helped the Aussies to a staggering 13-0 aggregate victory over Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium, made all the more impressive without star captain Sam Kerr.
Freeman, 50, is on the mend following a shocking injury that left her needing surgery last year, but still requires the aid of a walking stick to get around.
The gold medallist ruptured her Achilles tendon while at home, but has made progress after initially using crutches to help her mobility.
The world-renowned Indigenous athlete made headlines in September when the NSW Government announced it would be naming a grandstand after her at Sydney's Accor Stadium, where she thrilled the nation with that famous win at the Games.
Cathy Freeman attended the Matildas' big win on Wednesday evening
Freeman posed with Matildas star Mary Fowler after the victory at Marvel Stadium
The 50-year-old inspired the Matildas to book their place at the Paris Olympics
On the same date 23 years ago, Freeman had lit the flame at the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony at the ground.
Ten days later, she won the women's 400m final at the venue, famously completing a victory lap holding both the Australian and Indigenous flags in front of a crowd of more than 110,000 supporters.
It was the most-watched TV event in the country's history before it was supplanted by the Matildas' World Cup semi-final showdown with England at the same stadium.
Freeman said she was 'deeply honoured and humbled' to be permanently recognised at a stadium that held a special place in her heart.
'I hope that my story continues to inspire generations of girls and boys to chase their own dreams in sport and life,' she said.
Having won the first leg of the Olympic qualifier 3-0 on a freezing day in Tashkent, Australia were ruthless on a stifling night at Melbourne's Docklands stadium where Heyman's haul thrilled a sell-out crowd of 54,120.
'It was very special,' said Matildas captain Steph Catley.
'Everything we sort of set out to do we've done so it's a proud moment for us to get to another Olympics.'
With Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon sidelined with injury, Heyman has made the most of her first international matches in six years, scoring in both legs against the world number 47 Uzbeks.
