The Matildas will be without one of their biggest stars for their upcoming fixtures after Mary Fowler made a surprise withdrawal, citing undisclosed “personal circumstances”.
Fowler’s decision comes as her boyfriend, Nathan Cleary, faces a demanding recovery following two operations after suffering a compound fracture and dislocated ankle in Penrith’s preliminary final defeat.
Football Australia confirmed on Tuesday that the 23-year-old would miss the Matildas’ upcoming matches against Germany and Haiti.
The governing body gave no further details about why the Manchester City midfielder had withdrawn, beyond referring to “personal circumstances”.
“The decision was made following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and CommBank Matildas staff,” Football Australia said.
Leah Davidson has been called into the squad as Fowler’s replacement.
Football Australia said Fowler withdrew because of “personal circumstances” but offered no additional explanation
Mary Fowler has made a sudden exit from the Matildas squad ahead of their matches against Germany and Haiti
The timing of the announcement came as a surprise, particularly because Fowler had played for Manchester City just one day earlier.
Introduced from the bench, she helped ignite City’s 4-2 comeback win over Arsenal and had continued her impressive form at the start of the new Women’s Super League season.
Nothing in the aftermath of that match suggested Fowler was dealing with an injury.
Her unexpected withdrawal has left fans speculating about the circumstances behind the decision, while supporters have shared messages of concern and encouragement on social media.
“Hope everything is ok with Mary,” one fan wrote.
“I can understand that but she will be missed,” another supporter posted.
Fowler’s withdrawal comes during an especially challenging period for Cleary.
The Penrith star is facing months of rehabilitation after his 2026 season ended in devastating fashion against Newcastle on September 27.
Fowler and Cleary have spent significant periods apart as their sporting commitments take them to opposite sides of the world
Cleary suffered a compound fracture and dislocated left ankle during Penrith’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle
Cleary had already been managing a stress fracture in his right foot and needed pain-killing injections to take his place in the preliminary final.
He was initially named among the substitutes before being sent onto the field, but his night took a disastrous turn 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.
