The Matildas have been left without one of their biggest stars after Mary Fowler unexpectedly pulled out of Australia’s upcoming fixtures for undisclosed ‘personal circumstances’.
The shock withdrawal comes as Fowler’s boyfriend Nathan Cleary faces a gruelling recovery from two separate operations after suffering a compound fracture and ankle dislocation during Penrith’s preliminary final defeat.
Football Australia announced on Tuesday that Fowler, 23, would miss the Matildas’ upcoming clashes with Germany and Haiti.
No explanation has been given for the Manchester City star’s withdrawal beyond ‘personal circumstances’.
‘The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and CommBank Matildas staff,’ Football Australia said.
Leah Davidson has been rushed into the squad to replace Fowler.
Football Australia said Fowler pulled out because of ‘personal circumstances’ but provided no further details
Mary Fowler has suddenly withdrawn from the Matildas squad for their upcoming matches against Germany and Haiti
The decision is particularly surprising given Fowler was in action for Manchester City just a day before her withdrawal was announced.
She came off the bench and helped spark City’s 4-2 comeback victory over Arsenal, continuing her strong start to the new Women’s Super League campaign.
There was no indication following the match that Fowler was battling an injury.
Her sudden withdrawal has instead left fans wondering what prompted the decision, with supporters flooding social media with messages of concern and support.
‘Hope everything is ok with Mary,’ one fan wrote.
‘I can understand that but she will be missed,’ another posted.
Fowler’s withdrawal also comes at an extraordinarily difficult time for Cleary.
The Penrith champion is facing months of rehabilitation after his 2026 season ended in horrific fashion against Newcastle on September 27.
Fowler and Cleary have spent long periods apart as their sporting careers keep them on opposite sides of the world
Cleary suffered a horrific compound fracture and dislocated left ankle during Penrith’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle
Cleary had already been battling a stress fracture in his right foot and required pain-killing injections to get himself onto the field for the preliminary final.
He was initially named on the bench before entering the contest, only for disaster to strike in the 35th minute.
Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off following a hip-drop tackle that left Cleary with a compound fracture and dislocated left ankle.
The sight of the four-time premiership winner being carried from the field on a medicab sent shockwaves through the NRL.
Cleary was rushed directly to hospital and underwent emergency surgery on the shattered ankle.
He then faced a second operation to repair the stress fracture in his right foot, leaving one of rugby league’s biggest stars dealing with serious injuries to both legs.
The catastrophic setback has ruled Cleary out of Australia’s end-of-season World Cup campaign.
There is hope he could return for Penrith between Rounds 1 and 4 next season, although his recovery will determine exactly when he can get back onto the field.
Cleary accepted his maiden Dally M Medal from his couch as he recovered from his two operations
Cleary has already been forced to mark one of the greatest individual achievements of his career from home.
He accepted his maiden Dally M Medal via video from his couch as he recovered from surgery rather than attending the ceremony.
Fowler and Cleary have had to manage a long-distance relationship because of their sporting careers, with the Matildas attacker based in England with Manchester City while the Panthers halfback lives in Sydney.
That has meant opportunities for the couple to spend extended periods together have been limited.
Fowler also has family in Queensland and previously spoke about the importance of taking time away from football when she pulled out of a Matildas camp in late 2024.
On that occasion, Fowler withdrew from matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei because she wanted to refresh mentally and physically and spend time with family.
‘Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted,’ Fowler 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.’
There has been no similar explanation from Fowler this time.
While the timing of her withdrawal coincides with Cleary’s recovery from serious injuries, there is no indication his condition played any role in her decision to leave the Matildas camp.
Football Australia has not disclosed any further details about the circumstances behind Fowler’s absence.
