- Mary Fowler has taken a break from Matildas to focus on mental health
- It comes after World Cup hero Cortnee Vine did the same.
- His teammate praised the busy schedule and wants to see more
Matildas star Caitlin Foord couldn’t be happier with the support networks offered to her and her national team-mates, declaring the busy schedule was “all we ever wanted”.
Playing loads are in the spotlight following the withdrawals of Foord’s teammates Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine, who combine club football abroad with Matildas duties and have withdrawn from upcoming home fixtures against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing mental fatigue.
Foord, who plays regular starring roles for English giants Arsenal, returned from the UK for all four matches in just 10 days, hoping to see some new faces make strong cases to be part of the Asian Cup campaign. 2026 of the Matildas.
The 30-year-old said traveling the world in search of games, while placing “a lot of demands” on top players, was indicative of the game’s growth and he was convinced support networks had also advanced.
‘That’s how the game goes. “There are many more games, there are many more demands on us to play,” he said in Brisbane ahead of Thursday’s opening friendly against Olympic silver medalists Brazil.
Matildas star Caitlin Foord says all she wants to do is play and has called for more caps for the national team.
Matildas and Manchester City star Mary Fowler took a break from the national team due to mental fatigue
World Cup heroine Cortnee Vine also stepped away from the Matildas due to mental health issues.
“I mean, this is where all the soccer players wanted the game to be. The scheduling is obviously up to the leagues and federations to discuss how it should be, but playing and playing matches is all we have ever wanted.
‘We have that support. We have the networks you need, if what you need is physical or mental support, we have options for all of that. As it should be, everyone has the option to get the support they need.”
Foord will be a key player in what could be the Matildas’ turnaround on their Asian Cup run, with interim coach Tom Sermanni picking a host of Australian players for the quartet of matches.
Those personnel changes could mean a greater adjustment for players like Foord, but “giving it your all” remains a non-negotiable for anyone who pulls on a Matildas jersey.
“It doesn’t take long to adjust back to the Matildas environment and the type of style we want to play,” he said.
“When you put on the green and gold, it’s not so much about tactics, it’s about playing for your country and giving it your all.”
“It’s a great opportunity when we play here in Australia again, especially in Brissy, we’ve had great memories here.
“I’m excited to get back here and go out to Suncorp and play again.”
Foord said the Matildas, who drew with Switzerland but defeated Germany in their two most recent matches in Europe, would enjoy the challenge of facing the Brazilians.
“We have a lot of history with Brazil, from big tournaments to qualifying matches,” he said.
“So it will be a great opportunity for us and a great challenge to go up against them and do it here as well.”
