Matildas fans rally around Mary Fowler after Aussie star makes difficult call to step away

Football fans are sending love and support to Mary Fowler after it was announced on Sunday night the young star had withdrawn from the Matildas' friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei to focus on her mental and physical health. The 21-year-old pulled out of interim Matildas boss Tom Sermanni's extended squad, which comes just days after World Cup hero Cortnee Vine also made herself unavailable for similar reasons.

Fowler said she'll spend the rest of November and December at home with family, which will include NRL star boyfriend Nathan Cleary. "I've decided to take this time to prioritise recovery in order to refresh both mentally and physically, so that I can continue to put my best self forward for both club and country," Fowler said in a statement released by Football Australia.

"Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted. 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. I really appreciate everyone's support and understanding, and I hope to see you all soon."

The first of four matches in the international window will be played against Brazil in Brisbane on Thursday night. The Matildas haven't named a replacement at this stage, but Sermanni might also be without A-League women midfielders Isabel Gomez and Hana Lowry due to injuries.

Central Coast player Gomez suffered a right leg injury in a nasty collision in their draw with Melbourne Victory on Saturday, while Sydney FC player Lowry sustained a knee injury just hours before Fowler withdrew from the squad. Natasha Prior will be available for selection after the Newcastle Jets defender was cleared of a serious ankle injury to join the Matildas training camp, but veteran midfielder Katrina Gorry is out with a shoulder issue, and Clare Wheeler (leg) is also unavailable.

Veteran striker Michelle Heyman also sent a scare through the Canberra United and Matildas camps when she appeared to suffer an injury in their match against Perth Glory. The midfielder clutched at her ankle following a contest in front of Glory's goal, but was able to return to the game.

Cortnee Vine also opting to prioritise mental health

As for Vine, she said earlier this month: "I'm sure many people can appreciate that my life has dramatically changed over the past two years. Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, l've discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.

"Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance. For now, I need to focus on taking care of myself, which is why I am taking some time off. I truly appreciate everyone's support and concern, and I'm confident I'll return stronger than ever."

RELATED:

• Matildas achieve shock 19-year first as epic moment stuns football world

• Nathan Cleary at centre of fan frenzy over Mary Fowler teammate detail

The 26-year-old famously scored the winning penalty in the quarter-final against France at the Women's World Cup in 2023. The Matildas will play Brazil on the Gold Coast on Thursday and on December 1, as well as facing Taiwan in Victoria on December 4 and 7.

with AAP