Matildas star Mary Fowler has reportedly returned to Australia to be with her injured boyfriend, Nathan Cleary, after her sudden withdrawal from international duty left senior football officials ‘unimpressed’.
The 23-year-old will miss Australia’s upcoming friendlies against Germany and Haiti, with Football Australia citing ‘personal circumstances’ but providing no further details.
The Western Weekender’s Nathan Taylor reported that Fowler was back in Australia while attending the Panthers’ presentation night on Tuesday.
‘Confirmed. Mary Fowler back in Australia, at home with her injured partner Nathan Cleary,’ he said.
However, neither Fowler nor Football Australia has confirmed that Cleary’s injuries were the reason for her withdrawal.
Cleary is facing a lengthy recovery after undergoing operations on both legs following the Panthers’ preliminary final defeat to Newcastle.
The halfback suffered a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle in a tackle by Phoenix Crossland on September 27, requiring emergency surgery.
He later underwent a separate operation on a stress fracture in his right foot that he had carried into the match.
Mary Fowler is reportedly at home with boyfriend Nathan Cleary as he recovers from surgery on both legs
Cleary underwent a second operation to repair the stress fracture in his right foot
Senior Football Australia officials were reportedly ‘unimpressed’ by Fowler’s sudden withdrawal
The Matildas have not confirmed whether Cleary’s injuries prompted Fowler’s decision to miss the upcoming friendlies
Later reports clarified that his left tibia was undamaged, correcting initial fears that both bones in his lower leg had been broken.
Fowler’s withdrawal reportedly caught her teammates by surprise and left some senior figures within Football Australia unhappy about how they learned of the decision.
The federation said the decision followed ‘discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff’.
However, some senior Football Australia officials only became aware of the situation when they woke on Tuesday and read the statement, which had been released at 6.30am AEDT.
Sources who were not authorised to speak publicly told Nine those officials were ‘unimpressed’.
Matildas winger Hayley Raso also admitted she had not spoken to Fowler when asked about the withdrawal on Tuesday.
‘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.’
Cleary thanked Fowler for making him feel ‘supported and loved’ during his Dally M Medal acceptance speech
The Panthers halfback required emergency surgery after suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle
Fowler had made her 100th appearance for Manchester City a day earlier, coming off the bench in a 4-2 victory over Arsenal.
She did not appear to suffer an injury during the match.
Her absence is a setback for coach Joe Montemurro as he prepares the Matildas for next year’s World Cup, with Fowler’s role in his starting side still to be settled.
Australia face Germany in Karlsruhe on October 10 before meeting Haiti in Chambly, France, on October 14.
‘There’s not that many camps or matches before the World Cup, so every one is so important,’ Raso said.
‘Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important.’
Cleary paid an emotional tribute to Fowler while accepting the Dally M Medal last week.
‘I also want to say a big thanks to my partner,’ he said.
Fowler made her 100th Manchester City appearance shortly before her international withdrawal was announced
‘It’s tough doing the long distance, but she always makes me feel supported and loved, and that’s all I’ve ever asked for, and she’s just amazing.’
Fans were quick to connect Fowler’s withdrawal with her boyfriend’s recovery, while many defended her decision to step away from international duty.
‘A side quest to Penrith on the cards?’ one social media user wrote.
‘Thank you Mary, we appreciate you. That will make a huge difference for Nath in his recovery,’ another commented.
‘Omg, maybe she just wants to spend some time with her partner,’ one wrote.
A third added: ‘Mary has been playing since she was 15. A well-earned rest with her man is just what’s called for.’
Fowler previously withdrew from Matildas fixtures against Brazil and Chinese Taipei in November 2024, explaining that she needed time to recharge physically and mentally.
‘Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted,’ she said at the time.
‘I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted.’
