Matildas teammate explains Mary Fowler's difficult decision as Nathan Cleary spotlight takes toll

Mary Fowler's Matildas teammate Tamika Yallop has lifted the lid on the increased spotlight and scrutiny on women's football since the incredible World Cup last year, going some way to explaining Fowler's decision to take a break. Fowler revealed on Sunday night she'd withdrawn from the Matildas' squad for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan, citing physical and mental fatigue.

"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 Football Australia statement. "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."

Speaking on Monday, Yallop revealed how the life of a women's footballer has dramatically changed since the Matildas' remarkable run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Australia last year. There's more scrutiny and spotlight on female football than ever before, while Fowler has the added element of being in a high-profile relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary.

"It's almost a luxury to see where the game is at right now and how much the sport is growing," Yallop said. "That's a real positive thing, but it also does bring a lot of demand as well, and you see it in men's football too. So it's not something that's new, but it is something to be aware of and take care of each other like that, and to know when to, I guess, take the time for yourself as well."

Matildas players dealing with increased scrutiny and spotlight

Cortnee Vine is also taking a break from football, expressing similar sentiments to Fowler. Vine famously scored the winning penalty in the Matildas' quarter-final victory over France at the World Cup.

"We'll miss Mary this camp, and Viney, but it's kind of a good thing with how big women's football is," Yallop said. "It is (important) to make sure that players aren't getting sort of overloaded. We're getting more and more games and more and more visibility, so players do need a rest and time to recoup as well."

Fowler made some telling comments late last year, opening up about how her life has been changed since the World Cup. “I never would have thought that I’d get the opportunities that I do now, but as I’ve got more opportunities being out in the spotlight a bit more, it’s made me realise the kind of responsibilities that you have to all these people that are watching you," she admitted.

“I’ve always thought that the biggest way for me to inspire someone is for me being myself, so that’s what I do when I’m out there. I try to be genuine, and if that makes someone want to go after a dream or smile, then that would make me happy.”

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Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary obsession takes a toll

As well as becoming a superstar and household name almost overnight, Fowler has become a national obsession due to her romance with Penrith Panthers champion Cleary. The superstar couple draw headlines on a weekly basis, and there's no doubt the increased scrutiny on her private life would take a toll on the 21-year-old Fowler.

The relationship has even sparked rumours about where Cleary's football future lies, with speculation he'll move to the English Super League in the next few years to be closer to the UK-based Fowler. The Matildas star spends the majority of her time in Europe with club team Manchester City, while Cleary is based in Australia with Penrith.

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has even mentioned his desire to convince Fowler to move back to Australia so he can retain Cleary long-term. "Mary will come back here I'd say to be closer to him," Fletcher said after Penrith's four-peat of NRL premierships. "That's CEO of the football department Matt Cameron's job... to bring her back here permanently."