Matildas: Mary Fowler to Miss Germany and Haiti Friendlies as Joe Montemurro Backs Her Decision

08 Ottobre 2026 - 16:25

Manchester City star Mary Fowler has withdrawn from Australia’s upcoming international friendlies against Germany and Haiti for personal reasons. Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro has expressed his full support for the 23-year-old, emphasising the importance of respecting players’ personal circumstances. Meanwhile, speculation continues about Fowler’s possible return to Australia to support her partner, NRL star Nathan Cleary, following his serious injury.

The Matildas are preparing for two important international fixtures without one of their most talented and influential players.

Mary Fowler, the 23-year-old Manchester City forward and one of the brightest stars of Australian women’s football, has withdrawn from the national squad ahead of friendly matches against Germany and Haiti for personal reasons.

The announcement has attracted considerable attention across the Australian sporting landscape, particularly given Fowler’s importance to the team’s attacking creativity and her high-profile relationship with Penrith Panthers rugby league star Nathan Cleary.

However, Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro has made it clear that the decision has the full support of the coaching staff, the national team and Fowler’s club.

Speaking ahead of Australia’s European fixtures, the Italian-Australian coach emphasised the importance of creating a supportive environment where players can balance their professional responsibilities with personal circumstances.

Montemurro confirmed that discussions had taken place with Fowler, Manchester City and the relevant parties before the decision was finalised.

He also made it clear that the circumstances remain private and that he would not provide further details.

Montemurro puts player welfare first

For Montemurro, the situation is about more than football.

The Matildas coach has consistently emphasised the importance of trust, communication and player wellbeing as essential components of a successful international team.

His response to Fowler’s withdrawal reflects that philosophy.

Rather than questioning the player’s commitment or focusing on the impact of her absence, Montemurro has chosen to support her decision and protect her privacy.

The coach explained that all relevant parties had been consulted and that the outcome was considered appropriate for everyone involved.

His approach comes at a time when professional footballers are facing increasingly demanding schedules, with domestic competitions, continental tournaments and international commitments leaving limited opportunities for personal time.

For players based overseas, the challenges can be even greater.

Fowler plays for Manchester City in England’s Women’s Super League, one of the most competitive women’s football competitions in the world.

Balancing club duties, international travel and family responsibilities requires considerable physical and emotional resilience.

Montemurro’s decision reinforces the message that players should feel comfortable discussing personal circumstances without fearing damage to their international careers.

Speculation surrounding Nathan Cleary

Fowler’s absence has prompted speculation that she may have returned to Australia to support her partner, Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary.

Cleary suffered a serious leg injury during the Panthers’ NRL preliminary final defeat in late September.

The injury required emergency surgery and raised concerns about the long-term recovery of one of Australia’s most prominent rugby league players.

Some Australian media outlets have suggested Fowler’s withdrawal could be connected to Cleary’s recovery.

However, Football Australia has not confirmed any connection between Fowler’s absence and her partner’s injury.

The national governing body has maintained that the decision was made for personal reasons.

Neither Montemurro nor the national team has provided further information about Fowler’s whereabouts or the specific circumstances behind her withdrawal.

The distinction is important.

While the couple’s relationship has attracted significant public interest, there is no official confirmation that Cleary’s injury is the reason Fowler will miss the upcoming matches.

The Matildas have therefore chosen to respect the player’s privacy rather than contribute to speculation.

Mackenzie Arnold: Football is not everything

Experienced Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has also publicly supported Fowler’s decision.

Arnold emphasised that professional athletes are human beings first and that personal circumstances sometimes need to take priority over sporting commitments.

Her comments reflected the understanding within the Australian squad that players must be able to rely on their teammates and coaching staff during difficult moments.

Arnold acknowledged that she had not personally experienced the same situation but said she would value the support of a coach if she ever needed to return home for personal reasons.

The goalkeeper’s response highlights a broader change in professional sport, where mental health, personal wellbeing and work-life balance are increasingly recognised as essential to long-term performance.

International football places extraordinary demands on players, particularly those competing in different countries and travelling across multiple time zones.

For the Matildas, maintaining a positive team environment is therefore considered just as important as tactical preparation and physical conditioning.

Three major absences for the Matildas

While Fowler’s withdrawal has been handled with understanding, it creates an additional challenge for Montemurro ahead of two demanding international fixtures.

The Australian team will also be without influential midfielders Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry.

The absence of all three players significantly reduces the squad’s established creative options.

Fowler has developed into one of Australia’s most technically gifted attacking players, capable of operating in several positions across the forward line and attacking midfield.

Her vision, close control and ability to create opportunities make her a particularly valuable asset against highly organised international opposition.

Cooney-Cross provides energy, passing quality and control in midfield, while Gorry offers experience, defensive awareness and leadership.

Losing three players with those characteristics would challenge any national team.

However, Montemurro remains confident that Australia possesses sufficient depth to compete at the highest level.

Rather than viewing the absences solely as a disadvantage, he sees the upcoming fixtures as an opportunity to evaluate younger players and explore alternative tactical combinations.

Australia’s next generation ready to step forward

Montemurro has identified several emerging midfielders whom he believes could become important members of the national team in the coming years.

Among them are Daniela Galic, Alana Murphy and Hana Lowry.

Galic, who plays for Swedish club Vittsjö, has been developing her game in European football and is regarded as a promising creative talent.

Murphy, currently with Nottingham Forest, offers technical ability and versatility in midfield.

Lowry, who plays for Norwegian side Vålerenga, is another exciting prospect seeking to establish herself at senior international level.

Montemurro has expressed strong confidence in the potential of these players, identifying them as part of the next generation of Australian midfielders.

Their inclusion reflects the coach’s broader commitment to developing squad depth and preparing younger players for the demands of major international tournaments.

Midfielder Leah Davidson, who plays for Charlton Athletic, has also been called into the squad following Fowler’s withdrawal.

Davidson has previously represented the Matildas and will have another opportunity to strengthen her position within the national team setup.

For the younger players, facing quality international opposition provides valuable experience that cannot be replicated in training.

Germany presents a major challenge

Australia’s first match will be against Germany, currently ranked third in the FIFA women’s world rankings.

The fixture in Karlsruhe represents one of the Matildas’ toughest international tests.

Germany has long been one of the strongest nations in women’s football, combining technical quality, tactical discipline and extensive experience at major tournaments.

Facing such opposition without several established players will test Australia’s organisation, defensive structure and attacking adaptability.

Montemurro will be particularly interested in how his midfield performs under pressure and whether the younger players can contribute effectively to the team’s attacking movements.

Despite the absences, the Matildas still possess considerable international experience.

Players such as Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso provide leadership and quality across different areas of the pitch.

Their presence will be important in helping less experienced teammates manage the challenges of facing elite European opposition.

Germany will also provide a valuable indication of Australia’s progress as the team continues preparing for future international competitions.

Haiti offers another opportunity for development

Following the Germany encounter, the Matildas will face Haiti in France.

Although Haiti presents a different tactical challenge, the match remains an important part of Australia’s international preparation.

The Caribbean nation has developed a reputation for producing technically gifted, athletic players capable of creating opportunities through pace and individual skill.

Among its most recognisable talents is Melchie Dumornay, who has established herself as an exciting attacking player in international women’s football.

The match will allow Montemurro to assess how his team adapts to a different playing style.

It will also provide an opportunity to rotate players, experiment with combinations and evaluate individual performances.

For younger members of the Australian squad, both matches represent important steps towards becoming regular international players.

Building towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup

The Matildas are continuing their preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

After Australia’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2023 tournament, expectations surrounding the national team remain high.

That achievement transformed the visibility of women’s football across Australia and inspired a new generation of young players.

However, maintaining success at international level requires continuous development.

Montemurro faces the challenge of combining established stars with younger players who can sustain the team’s competitiveness over the coming years.

The development of midfield depth is particularly important.

International tournaments require squads capable of adapting to injuries, suspensions, changing opponents and demanding match schedules.

A team that relies too heavily on a small group of established players can become vulnerable when injuries or personal circumstances affect availability.

The upcoming friendlies provide Montemurro with an opportunity to test whether Australia’s emerging players are ready to assume greater responsibility.

A changing culture in professional football

Fowler’s decision also reflects an important shift in the relationship between professional athletes and national sporting organisations.

In previous generations, withdrawing from international duty for personal reasons could attract criticism or raise questions about an athlete’s commitment.

Increasingly, however, clubs and national teams recognise that personal wellbeing is an essential component of professional performance.

A supportive environment can help players maintain motivation, confidence and long-term commitment.

Montemurro’s public response sends a clear message to the Matildas squad: personal circumstances will be treated with respect and discretion.

That approach has also been reinforced by Arnold and other members of the team.

For Fowler, it means being able to address her personal circumstances without the pressure of publicly explaining every detail.

For the Matildas, it means focusing on the players available while maintaining strong relationships across the squad.

The Matildas must now deliver on the pitch

The immediate challenge for Australia is to perform against Germany and Haiti without several important players.

Montemurro will need to make tactical adjustments, identify new creative combinations and ensure that younger midfielders are ready to contribute.

The matches are unlikely to be straightforward, particularly against a German team with considerable international experience.

But they also offer an opportunity.

Emerging players can demonstrate their abilities, established stars can provide leadership and the coaching staff can gather valuable information ahead of future tournaments.

Mary Fowler’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the response from Montemurro and her teammates demonstrates that respect, trust and player wellbeing remain fundamental to the Matildas’ culture.

For Australia’s next generation, the opportunity to step forward has arrived.

And for Fowler, the message from the national team is clear: when personal circumstances require attention, football can wait.