Mary Fowler reveals what really happened in Paris as Matildas star explains key theory for Olympic Games disaster

Mary Fowler has lifted the lid on the Matildas’ disastrous Olympic Games campaign in Paris after the Aussie women crashed out in the group stage.

Tony Gustavsson’s side travelled to France with full confidence after their incredible fourth-place finish at the World Cup last year, leading to hopes of a medal at the women’s football tournament.

As it was, the Matildas fell flat across their three group games, with losses to the United States and Germany sealing an early exit from the competition.

Gustavsson lost his job and the team were roundly criticised by the public and the media, with some claiming the squad had become too ‘pampered’ and lost their edge.

Football Australia chief James Johnson strongly denied that suggestion, and speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fowler provided an insight into where she thought it all went wrong for the team.

‘I think we definitely worked as hard as we could to prepare for the tournament,’ Fowler said. ‘I think sometimes football just doesn’t go your way.

‘Being at home and having that home advantage, it’s very different playing a home World Cup (compared) to being overseas.

‘Sometimes things don’t go your way and we definitely reflect on that as a team and I’m sure the girls have done that individually as well.’ 

The 21-year-old was unable to rescue the Matildas from a humiliating exit in France

Football Australia is currently conducting its search for a new head coach, with Johnson revealing that the players will be consulted over their selection, but Fowler professed that she has heard of no developments on that front. 

‘I actually don’t know,’ she said. ‘I haven’t really paid much thought to it.

‘I’m very focused on just what I can control and what I do as a player.

‘I feel we all really want to win something with the national team.

‘Having another opportunity to do that, I think a lot of us will work for the next year and a bit to try and get it done.’

Fowler is with Manchester City’s women’s team in Perth after spending a break with NRL star boyfriend Nathan Cleary in Sydney following the Paris Games. 

Fowler was pictured at Sydney Airport ahead of linking up with her City teammates last week, but there was no sign of injured boyfriend Cleary. 

Her holiday down under saw her enjoy a day out at some markets in the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, with Cleary soon after he suffered a shoulder injury that initially led to speculation his season could be over.

However, he has been cleared of the need for surgery and is expected to be back on the field for the finals as Penrith try to win four premierships in a row.

The couple enjoyed breakfast at a local café then explored the Glenbrook Rotary Markets where Nathan sampled a scented candle as they looked relaxed and happy. 

She explained that playing overseas had an impact on the team

Both Fowler and Cleary are no strangers to the challenges of injuries and the road to recovery.

Fowler has dealt with recurring back and foot issues throughout her young career, while Cleary has a more extensive history with injuries.

Thankfully, his most recent setback involves the opposite shoulder from the one he injured in 2021.

Mary and Nathan began dating towards the end of last year, with their relationship first reported by Daily Mail Australia.