Mary Fowler leaves some Matildas officials ‘unimpressed’ as she withdraws from the team due to ‘personal circumstances’

Mary Fowler has withdrawn from the Australian national team's upcoming friendlies against Germany and Haiti due to personal circumstances, reportedly returning to Australia to be with her injured partner Nathan Cleary. Her sudden absence reportedly caught teammates by surprise and left some senior Football Australia officials unimpressed after they learned of the decision only upon reading the public statement released on Tuesday morning.

Cleary recently underwent surgeries on both legs following the Penrith Panthers' preliminary final defeat. Although Football Australia stated the decision followed discussions involving Fowler, Manchester City, and Matildas staff, neither Fowler nor the federation has confirmed that Cleary's injuries were the official reason for her departure.