- Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine have both withdrawn from friendlies
- Matildas star Caitlin Foord has spoken about the complex situation
- Matildas take on Brazil in a friendly on Thursday night at Suncorp
Matildas sensation Caitlin Foord has spoken about Mary Fowler‘s decision to prioritise her physical and mental health as Australia prepare to test their mettle against Olympic silver medallists Brazil.
The Matildas will be back at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday for the first of two friendlies against Brazil.
They also play the world No.8 on the Gold Coast on Sunday night, before flying to Melbourne for two friendlies against Taiwan next month.
Cortnee Vine, who scored the winning spot-kick against France, isn’t in the squad as she takes a mental health break.
Young gun Mary Fowler has also withdrawn to manage physical and mental fatigue.
The Australian attacker has had a busy start to the new season, continuing to play for both the Matildas and City, while also holidaying with boyfriend Nathan Cleary in the UK and Europe.
While Foord supports her teammates in their decisions to look after themselves, she also notes how women’s football has been crying out for attention for years.
‘That’s the way the game’s going. There’s a lot more games. There’s a lot more demand on us to play,’ Foord said.
‘I mean, this is where every female footballer’s wanted the game to go and, yeah, the scheduling, that’s obviously up to the leagues and the federations to discuss on how that should be.
‘But for us, to play games is all we’ve ever wanted.
‘And the fact that players are able to take a break to improve their mental health and get their headspace right, that’s obviously a positive thing.’
Returning to Suncorp Stadium – the scene of their World Cup quarter-final win over France – will be a special occasion.
‘It’s a weird one,’ Foord said.
‘It’s like mixed emotions here because we had such an amazing experience, obviously, with the penalty shootout and that game against France to then losing the final match (third-place play-off) against Sweden here.
‘But I think overall the better memories will stay in your mind when we come here to Brisbane.’
The Matildas will celebrate retiring champion and games record holder Clare Polkinghorne in Thursday’s match in her home city.
‘It’s massive. So honoured to be here and to share her final game with her,’ Foord said.
‘She’s been a part of probably every single one of my caps. She’s given so much to the game here in Australia.
‘I’m just happy that we can give her off a great send-off like she deserves.’
