Matildas Star Mary Fowler Gears Up for AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Home Soil
The Australian national women’s football team, the Matildas, are on the cusp of commencing their highly anticipated campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with star player Mary Fowler expressing her immense excitement. “I’m so excited to be heading to the Asian Cup,” Fowler shared. “I feel extremely grateful and honoured to have another opportunity to represent Australia on home soil.” This marks a significant moment for Fowler, who first debuted for the Matildas at the tender age of 15 in July 2018. Since then, she has diligently carved out an impressive career both domestically and on the international stage.
When not proudly sporting the green and gold for her country, Fowler is a formidable presence for Manchester City in the UK. Her exceptional talent was underscored in the 2024/25 season, where she was the sole player to achieve double-figure goals and assists. Now, she’s set to reunite with the Matildas for crucial matches in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The team is scheduled to face the Philippines on March 1st, followed by a clash against Iran on the Gold Coast on March 5th.
Overcoming Adversity with Support from Partner Nathan Cleary
Fowler’s journey to the Asian Cup hasn’t been without its challenges. She recently revealed her efforts to overcome an ACL injury that prematurely ended her season with Manchester City. Her recovery and preparedness have been significantly bolstered by the unwavering support and encouragement of her partner, NRL star Nathan Cleary.
“We train with each other quite a bit, especially during the Christmas holidays, but it is mostly fitness training or hikes,” Fowler explained. She affectionately refers to Cleary as her “off-season coach,” highlighting his dedication to training and his innovative approach to workouts. “He’s the perfect training partner in that way because he’s always encouraging me to be better and to push through when I’m getting tired.”
Fowler and Cleary, the co-captain of the Penrith Panthers, began their relationship in August 2023, with their romance blossoming shortly after the Matildas’ triumphant World Cup campaign. While their demanding professional schedules present a logistical puzzle, there’s a shared hope that Cleary will be able to attend some of Fowler’s matches. “We’re hoping Nathan will be able to make it to a game or two, but it all depends on our schedules because, excitingly, his season is set to start in March as well,” Fowler noted. “If not in person, we’ll definitely both be watching and supporting each other on TV.”
A Focus on Health, Wellbeing, and Achievable Goals
Last April, Fowler experienced a significant setback when she ruptured her ACL during the FA Women’s Cup semi-finals. This injury necessitated a nine-month rehabilitation period, keeping her off the pitch and away from the sport she loves. The extended break provided Fowler with a profound appreciation for the fragility of life and the importance of sport.
“I was very fortunate to have the right people and resources in place to help my rehab flow smoothly, but I know not everyone is as lucky,” she reflected. Driven by a desire to “pay forward” the encouragement and support she received during her recovery, Fowler has partnered with nib in the role of Chief Health and Wellbeing Officer.
Her key advice for maintaining fitness and an active lifestyle centres on setting realistic objectives. “My biggest tip for staying fit and active is to make your goals achievable,” Fowler advised. “I think the mistake I’ve been guilty of before, and I know many people have too, is making these really big goals that seem exciting to begin with, but then in the end become too drastic of a change to stay committed to.”
For Australians seeking to integrate small fitness habits into their daily routines, Fowler champions a simple yet effective approach: a daily 5-10 minute walk. “It’s important for people to make their own connection to their physical and mental health because having your own reason why is what will keep you motivated to continue implementing healthy habits on the days when you don’t feel like it,” she elaborated. This personal connection to wellbeing is crucial for sustained motivation.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Australian Athletes
Fowler’s formative years, spent in Cairns in a television-free household, were filled with outdoor activities. She recalls spending countless hours kicking a football on the beach with her four siblings after school. Her early talent was evident, as she played for Queensland’s under-12 state team during her school years.
Now, as one of Australia’s most prominent football figures, Fowler is dedicated to inspiring young girls to pursue their sporting dreams while also emphasising the importance of a balanced life. “For any young girls looking to follow in my footsteps, my advice would be to remember that you’re a person first and a footballer second,” she stated. “By that I mean that you’re allowed to have a life outside of sport; in fact, I’d probably recommend it.”
She stresses that maintaining strong mental wellbeing is just as critical for athletic performance as rigorous training. This holistic approach underscores Fowler’s commitment to not only excelling on the field but also fostering a healthy and fulfilling life for herself and those she inspires.
