by Ben Gilby (29/5/24)
Above: Mary Fowler speaking from Coopers Stadium in Adelaide today. Image: Football Australia.
We’re less than 48 hours away from the first of the two Matildas’ friendlies against China, and attacker Mary Fowler is determined that she and her teammates will do everything possible to put themselves in the best possible place ahead of the Paris Olympics.
“We’re doing well. We’re the kind of team that tries not to waste a single session, so camp has been really good so far, we’re trying to get the most out of it, and we’re having fun as well!” the Manchester City star smiled.
Friday’s match at Adelaide Oval marks a return to the South Australian capital for Fowler. It was at Adelaide United that she made her A-League Women debut after signing for them at the age of 16. She would go on to play seven games and score three times in the 2020/21 campaign for the Reds. Reflecting on her return to the city, the attacker admitted ruefully: “To be honest, I don’t remember the place much! But it’s nice to be in Australia, I’ve missed being home.”
The Matildas will lock horns with China on Friday for the first time since 13th February 2020 when the pair faced each other in Parramatta during the Tokyo Olympics qualification tournament – a game that saw Emily van Egmond’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ensuring the Matildas made the final qualifying round tie against Vietnam.
Fowler recognises that China pose a unique challenge. They are coached by Ante Milicic who knows many of the Matildas squad inside out from his time as national head coach, assistant, and boss of both the U20 and U23 Matildas teams between 2014 and 2020. Therefore, Australia will be pushed all the way to use their new tactical setup to break through the expected defensive conundrum that the former Matildas boss will set up.
“It gives us an idea of where we’re at, look at the things we’re working on, and see the things we could improve, so I think it’s a good match for us to have this camp.”
Whilst you would expect the attacker to be one of the first names on the squad selection list for the Paris Olympics, the Manchester City star’s outlook on life means she is philosophical about what’s ahead.
“I’m someone who just tries to enjoy the day, take it for what it is, and I’m here to do my best and have a bit of fun, and we’ll see what happens.”
Pictures from Matildas training at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide by Courtney Pedlar via Football Australia:
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