Mary Fowler Talks Football, Life, and Future Dreams
Fowler’s Role at Manchester City
Mary Fowler recently chatted with Optus Sport about her time with Manchester City and the Matildas. She shared her goal of owning a café one day. Even though she’s a skilled attacking player, she often surprises herself when she scores.
At just 21, Fowler has been a key player for Australia since she debuted with the Matildas at 15. She’s played in different leagues, including in France, and is now an important part of Manchester City’s push for the title. This season, she’s already scored four goals in the WSL, matching her last season’s performance, including a fantastic goal against Aston Villa.
She cut in from the right wing and curled the ball into the top corner. Fowler said that she took advantage of Villa being a player down.
Their left back was injured, so I thought, ‘If the ball comes my way, I’m going for it,’ she recalled. I usually focus on crossing, but I know I can score. I’m trying to take more shots.
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Enjoying Life at Manchester City
Now in her third season with the club, Fowler is loving it. She credits coach Gareth Taylor and her teammates for the good vibes.
I’m really lucky with the girls here, she said. It’s been consistent, and I couldn’t ask for a better place. It helps, especially when things don’t go well.
A boost for the team came when Dutch star Vivianne Miedema joined. Fowler loves learning from her.
Working with her is great. She’s so smart on the field, Fowler noted. Sometimes, I forget she’s one of the best players, but watching her has taught me a lot about using my body. Fowler’s New Role Model at Manchester City.
Cafés and Dreams for the Future
While she enjoys living in Manchester, the weather isn’t her favorite part. But she loves the city’s café scene and dreams of owning one someday.
I like the vibe in the city. There are so many cafés, she said. I enjoy the feeling of being a regular where the staff knows my name and order.
Fowler hopes to create that same cozy feeling for others. That makes me happy. If I were a customer, I would love that, she added.
Football and Enjoyment
Fowler believes in keeping a relaxed mindset to play better.
I play so much better when I’m not stressed, she said. Football is a game—I want to enjoy it. If I’m not having fun, I play worse.
This mindset helps her stay focused on each match with Manchester City and the Matildas. I take it game by game, so I can enjoy the ride, she explained.
Excited for the Matildas
Fowler has become well-known in Australia, especially after the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The team is now moving on after a tough Olympic run and is gearing up for the Asian Cup.
Going out early at the Olympics was disappointing, but the Asian Cup is a new chance, she said. Winning it would be amazing and keep the momentum going in Australia from the World Cup.
She also sees how much women’s football has grown. Older players have told me how hard it was to get chances, but I’m lucky to step into a setup that’s already established, she said. Seeing packed stadiums when we play is incredible. It makes me very happy.
Upcoming Match Against Arsenal
Before international duty, Fowler is focused on Manchester City’s big match against Arsenal. Both teams are chasing Chelsea, and this game could be key in the title race.
I think it’ll be a great match. Games against Arsenal can go either way, she said. We’ve prepared well, and bouncing back from our last loss has given us confidence.
Manchester City will face Arsenal on Monday, February 3rd, at 5:45 a.m. (AEDT), which fans can catch live on Optus Sport. Fowler’s New Role Model at Manchester City.
