Teammates, Football Australia stunned by unexplained Fowler absence
Updated . First published at
Matildas players were surprised and senior Football Australia officials were reportedly unimpressed after superstar Mary Fowler withdrew from the national squad on Tuesday morning.
A Matildas press release, issued just after 6am AEDT, revealed the gun was unavailable for two international friendlies this month “due to personal circumstances”.
Mary Fowler at the 2024 Paris Olympics. AP
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, it came as a surprise to some Football Australia heavies who woke up to the news at the same time as the general public.
“The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff,” a statement said.
Fowler, who is arguably Australia’s second biggest football star behind Sam Kerr, turned out for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League on Monday and helped them beat fellow powerhouse Arsenal 4-2.
But she has declined the chance to represent Australia in games against Germany and Haiti over the coming week, which are in Europe.
She has been replaced in the Matildas squad by Leah Davidson.
Matildas teammate Hayley Raso spoke to media later on Tuesday and admitted she had no idea of Fowler’s unavailability before the news broke.
“I haven’t spoken to Mary. I only just found out the news myself,” Raso said.
“Obviously, Mary’s a really valuable player for our team, so it’s sad that she’s not here at this camp, but obviously, she has to take care of some personal circumstances.
“There’s not that many camps or matches before the World Cup, so every one is so important. Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important.”
Fellow superstar Kyra Cooney-Cross remains absent from the team following the death of her mother.
While a reason for Fowler’s absence is not publicly known, it comes at the same time her partner and NRL superstar Nathan Cleary recovers from a double leg operation.
Nathan Cleary celebrates NSW’s series win with girlfriend Mary Fowler at Suncorp Stadium in July. Getty Images
Cleary went under the knife last week after suffering a compound dislocation to his left leg during Penrith’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle.
He had a second operation on Saturday to fix a broken bone in his right foot.
Cleary posted a photo from hospital showing both his legs in casts. He is reportedly back home at his parents’ house recovering.
He gave a shout out to Fowler as he accepted the Dally M Medal last week while sitting on the couch at home.
The pair have spoken openly about juggling a long-distance relationship, with both playing professional sport on opposite sides of the world.
Cleary will miss Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign as he recovers from his injuries.
But it means he could get some unexpected time with Fowler while both Aussie stars are off duty.
