Source : ABC NEWS
As a home Asian Cup looms and the uncertainty around the next Matildas’ head coach remains ever-present, Mary Fowler’s recent ACL injury is a devastating blow for a side at a crossroads.
Here’s a look at what the future now holds for Fowler and the Matildas.
Why is Mary Fowler such a big loss?
During the most recent international window against South Korea earlier this month, Matildas fans were treated to a glimpse of what the future could look like — Fowler on the left side of the attack with the ability to drift centrally and create for others, just as she had been doing for club side Manchester City this season.
The 22-year-old’s ability to create opportunities for herself and others is a skill that is incredibly valuable and rarely found within the Australian talent pool. That, combined with her ball carrying skills, improved ability one-on-one, and creation in tight spaces, makes her one of the most valuable players the Matildas have at their disposal.
The Matildas have often struggled against sides that use a low block — a tactic which sees a team defending deep in their own half, restricting space for opposing sides’ forwards to operate in.
With a player of Fowler’s capabilities, the Matildas can break down such defences and unlock small spaces they weren’t able to utilise in the past.
The unavailability of the forward for the foreseeable future takes away a big chunk of the Matildas’ attacking options, which have already been affected by Sam Kerr’s absence over the past 15 months.
With no certainty on when Kerr will return, it’s a worrying time for the side, especially as she’s in the latter part of her career and coming off her second ACL injury.
Sam Kerr last played for the Matildas in 2023, against Chinese Taipei. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
How long will Fowler be out for?
The recovery time for ACL injury varies, with some returning as quick as Ellie Carpenter, who was back after eight months, while Kerr has been sidelined for more than a year.
There is a growing concern around the prevalence of the injury amongst sportswomen, with research suggesting professional female athletes are eight times more likely to experience the injury.
The typical recovery time for ACL recoveries is between six to 12 to months. The worrying part is no matter how long the recovery takes, you never know how a player will come back after such a long lay-off from injury.
What games will she miss?
For the moment, the Manchester City forward is out for the next international window in May and June against Argentina.
The Matilda will need to find a replacement for Fowler’s impact heading into the Asian Cup.
(Getty Images: Andy Cheung)
If Fowler was to return for the Asian Cup in March next year, she could miss a maximum of 15 matches over five international windows.
The Matildas have played every international window available to them since 2024. It would be fair to assume they will continue that trend going forward.
Who can replace Fowler?
Interim coach Tom Sermanni and his eventual replacement will have to decide who can fill the void Fowler leaves.
The best option available is Holly McNamara.
Holly McNamara has risen to another level since returning from her third ACL. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
McNamara, who has seven Matildas caps, played alongside Fowler in the second match against South Korea in the last window.
The Melbourne City forward has had an outstanding season, scoring 15 goals in just 17 matches since returning from her third ACL injury.
In her short A-league women’s career she has shown an ability to generate shots for herself.
She could be a great replacement for Fowler with her game-changing skill set, particularly if the Matildas face sides that utilise a low block.
But McNamara doesn’t get as many assists as Fowler, with only one so far this season.
While McNamara may score more goals, she isn’t the creator that Fowler has shown herself to be.
Sharn Freier will make the move to German side Wolfsburg next season after spending six years at Brisbane Roar. (Getty Images: Olivier Rachon/SOPA Images/LightRocket)
The Matildas could also go with 23-year-old Sharn Freier, who will be playing for German giants Wolfsburg next season.
Freier, with nine international caps to her name, wouldn’t be described as a shot creator, but is an attacking threat in the final third.
She is a threat on the wings and can get behind a high line with her speed and finishing ability.
The Matildas have been prone to use long balls over the top as a main attacking outlet, so a player like Freier could be successful in this system.
They could also opt for 18-year-old FC Twente midfielder Daniela Galic, more easily associated as a traditional number 10, the creator and facilitator within a team.
She can break lines with her passing and movement off the ball, which would make up for the loss of goal assists and chances created, but she hasn’t been a prolific scorer. Her inclusion would likely require a potential change of formation.
Galic is familiar with the Matildas set up having played five games for them in the past.
Daniela Galic is one of the most promising young players in the world. (Getty Images: Albert Perez )
Will the Matildas have to play differently?
The player selected to fill Fowler’s void will play a major part if the formation is going to change.
If they get a like for like winger, they could utilise the 4-3-3 formation they have been using. If they were to bring in an extra midfielder like Galic, they could add a number in the middle of the park.
The difficulty in knowing the answer to this question is that we are still yet to know who the next Matildas coach is going to be. They could change the formation entirely and are likely to have their style of play they will implement.
There are many options available, none will be a perfect like for like replacement. It will require a collective effort to replace the output and impact of Fowler.
