Why Matildas star Mary Fowler is grateful coach Tony Gustavsson dropped her in 2023 ahead of Paris Olympics

Benching an emerging superstar is a bold move, but Mary Fowler is convinced it was pivotal for her growth as an elite footballer and person. 

Despite what the future holds for Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson after the Olympics, Fowler remains indebted to him for this unusual reason.

Fowler has already competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and two World Cups in 2019 and 2023. 

Now, she is aiming for a medal in Paris, ready to play a key role for the Matildas at the Paris Olympics starting on July 26.

Reflecting on her journey, Fowler revealed to News Corp that is was the stunning moment that Gustavsson benched her in 2023 that turned out to be the making of her,

'Looking back now, the thing I appreciate the most from him was when I was not performing too well he benched me,' she said.

'It seems silly to say it, but I do appreciate if a coach can be honest and say you are not at the top of your game. He's been good.'

This pivotal moment occurred during the 2023 Cup of Nations. 

Despite being a regular starter for Gustavsson post-2020 Tokyo Olympics, Fowler found herself on the bench. 

She played in the opening match against Czechia, was unused against Spain, and had limited minutes against Jamaica.

At that time, Fowler was also playing her first season at Manchester City in the Women's Super League (WSL), logging just 167 minutes across 11 matches. 

Determined to prove herself, Fowler threw everything she had into training at both club and international levels. 

Her hard work paid off, as she worked her way back into Gustavsson's starting side for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she excelled.

Fowler's gratitude is profound. 'You can be benched and you will have to work for it again to get that starting spot. I am able to look back at that time and see I changed as a player and as a person,; she said.

'It made me better. It was quite pivotal to me becoming more in form today. He has been good for me from a growth standpoint.'

Fowler and the Matildas found additional inspiration from Cathy Freeman, who made a surprise appearance at their camp before the 2023 World Cup. 

This encounter left the team star-struck and highlighted the grandeur of an Olympic legacy. 

'It was amazing. Everyone was just shocked when they saw her. The staff that organised it did a really good job to keep it secret,' Fowler said.

'What stood out to me was just how genuine she was. She was just a lovely lady. She made everyone laugh but she was so real about her story. 

'I like the fact that everything she did she did it because that was what she wanted to do. She wasn't swayed by what other people wanted her to be. She just believed in herself.'