There was no final international goal for Fishlock against Australia, but for a while it seemed Wales would mark her retirement with a creditable draw against the 2023 World Cup semi-finalists.
Wales competed with the Matildas before Caitlin Foord’s late winner, with the home side recovering after the concession of a soft Courtney Nevin opener to level through a first international goal from Manchester United’s Mared Griffiths.
The 18-year-old, who narrowly missed out on a place in Wales’ European Championship squad, was winning just her second cap, starting in one of two attacking midfield roles alongside Fishlock.
Griffiths’ goal was memorable, as she latched on to a loose ball – after Fishlock was tackled – before chipping it over Australia keeper Teagen Micah and into the far corner of the net.
“Mared just ran for the whole time she was out there – but with purpose, that’s key,” Wilkinson said.
“What a well-taken goal and [it was] pretty symbolic, right? Jess’ last game and a young star coming up and scoring a worldie like that.”
As life without their star performer begins, Wales must hope this was the first of many.
