Mary Fowler’s experience highlights a disturbing incident during her tenure at Montpellier, where she joined at 17 before moving to Manchester City in 2022. During her time in France, Fowler encountered a racist incident that lingers in her memory. “Some of the girls laughed, and then another player handed my friend and me some bananas, saying, ‘Here, have these.’ That was the cherry on top,” she recounted.

Fowler’s courage in addressing this unsettling experience has been met with support from fellow athletes like former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot. Chuot, who herself has navigated the professional sports world, expressed pride in Fowler for speaking out against racism. “It’s not just happening in France; it’s happening everywhere. It’s happening right here in Australia,” Chuot emphasized, underscoring the pervasive nature of racial discrimination.

Chuot’s perspective is informed by her own journey in the AFLW. Drafted by Fremantle in 2016, she debuted in 2017 and later played for Carlton, Richmond, and Hawthorn. Over six seasons, she participated in 40 games before retiring in 2023. Her experience and advocacy lend weight to the ongoing conversation about racism in sports, encouraging a culture of accountability and change.

“It’s not just only happening in France, it’s happening everywhere. It’s happening right here in Australia.”

Former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot said she’s proud of Mary Fowler for speaking out about her alleged experience with racism. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

Chuot was drafted by Fremantle in the 2016 AFLW draft, making her debut in 2017. She later joined Carlton, Richmond and Hawthorn, playing 40 games across six seasons before announcing her retirement in 2023.

“They’ve just decided it’s better for their mental health and physical health.”

“It’s a great example of what needs to be done. It’s amazing to talk about these issues, which faces a lot of young sportspeople at the moment.”