In her rapid rise to the top, she's replaced one. To take the Matildas to the next level, she'll have to vanquish the other.
It's a challenge Hunt will embrace in Saturday's Women's World Cup quarter-final at Suncorp Stadium.
"Wendie Renard was a role model for me. I saw her composure at a young age and wanted to emulate that in some way," Hunt told reporters on Thursday.
"I feel like I know the way that Wendie plays because I used to watch her as a kid.
"She's an amazing athlete, centre-back, leader.
"Her distribution: she's exceptionally good on the ball. She's calm. She's a very good defender in terms of her positioning. They're the three big things that I would look for."
"In terms of how to deal with that, we've just got to play to our strengths. We recognise that she's going to be difficult to get around."
Beyond being a wonderful defender, Renard is a 187-centimetre powerhouse at attacking set pieces, making a habit of scoring clutch headers from corners or free kicks.
Is it Hunt's job to stop her?
"That's going to have to be someone's job," she said matter-of-factly.
"She's an exceptional athlete. Her height is such an advantage on set pieces, but we will just continue to do what we've been doing on our set pieces.
"We've defended set pieces exceptionally well through the four games that we've played. We're looking to nullify her as a strength up there."
Hunt began her international career alongside Polkinghorne but has since been joined by Alanna Kennedy in the heart of Australia's defence.
The 34-year-old Polkinghorne, Australia's record appearance maker, has described Hunt as "the future of this back line".
The feeling is mutual, even if Polkinghorne, who battled a heel problem pre-tournament, is contributing limited minutes off the bench.
"Polks is one of the most beautiful people you'll ever meet," Hunt said.
"She gives so much time, she makes you feel so comfortable.
"As a youngster I would look up to Polks. She was an extremely composed, great ball-playing centre back who was just absolutely strong in all challenges she went into.
"I remember when I was younger that I wanted to emulate Polks. To be here playing alongside her for the start of my international career has been nothing but special.
"She has supported me as a centre-back and as a friend."
8°C