Mary Fowler’s Matildas team-mate says Man City forward’s break is ‘a good thing’ as she speaks out on the demands of professional football

Mary Fowler’s split from the Matildas reflects the increased intensity and demands of women’s football, says veteran teammate Tameka Yallop.

On Sunday, Fowler withdrew from the Australian squad for the upcoming home match against Brazil and Taiwan, with Football Australia citing her need to recover from mental and physical fatigue.

The Manchester City star noted in a statement that “playing with an increasingly demanding schedule is both exciting and at times challenging.”

Fowler, 21, will instead spend the November-December international holiday with family.

Her absence follows Cortnee Vine’s decision to take a break from football for mental health reasons, with the winger struggling with her meteoric rise to being the Matildas’ high-profile hero at the Women’s World Cup.

“It’s almost a luxury to see where the game is now and how much the sport is growing,” Yallop said.

Her teammate Tameka Yallop said that while the Matildas will ‘miss’ Fowler, she claimed her choice to miss the upcoming international matches is a ‘good thing’.

Reflecting on Fowler’s decision (left), Yallop (right) also opened himself up to the demands of playing professionally

‘That is very positive, but there is also a lot of demand for it, and you also see that in men’s football.

‘So it’s not something new, but it’s something to pay attention to and take care of each other, and to know when, I think, to take time for yourself as well.

“So we’ll miss Mary this camp, and Viney, but it’s pretty good considering how big women’s soccer is.”

Yallop supported Fowler’s call to prioritize her well-being.

“It is (important) to make sure players are not overloaded,” she said.

‘We are getting more and more games and more and more visibility, so players also need rest and time to recover.’

Interim coach Tom Sermanni will have to get creative with his team, now that injured midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler are also sidelined.

“We have a variety of players that can come in and get the job done,” Yallop said.

After playing for Australia at the Summer Olympics, Fowler has made 15 appearances for both club and country this season, missing just one match.

Yallop, meanwhile, has been in flying form for Brisbane Roar, scoring three goals in four games

‘It gives opportunities for other players to come in.’

In red-hot form for Brisbane Roar, Yallop is back in her favored attacking midfield role and has scored three goals in four games.

But often the 33-year-old Yallop, an all-rounder for the Matildas, is ready to step in where necessary.

“Number 10 is a nice position for me,” she said.

‘I really enjoy being a utility player. I like playing in different positions on the field.

‘So for me, whether it’s club or national team, I enjoy being able to have some creativity in the final third, but at the same time the result is what I’m chasing.

“So if that means a different role on the field for me, then I’m happy to play it.”