Mary Fowler returns to Kerr-captained Matildas Asian Cup squad

Mary Fowler scores against South Korea in an April 2025 friendly.
Mary Fowler scores against South Korea in an April 2025 friendly.SAEED KHAN / AFP

Sam Kerr will ⁠lead Australia's bid for a second Women's ‌Asian Cup title with forward ‌Mary Fowler making ‌her long-awaited return to ‌the hosts' squad for ‌the continental showpiece.

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro included Fowler ‌in his 26-woman squad ⁠for ‌the March 1-21 tournament ​despite the Manchester City winger playing ​only 15 minutes for her club since returning ⁠from an ​ACL injury.

Full back Charli Grant was omitted, though, losing a race ‌to be fit after suffering a knee injury for Tottenham Hotspur.

Montemurro included only one uncapped player in an experienced roster -- goalkeeper Jada Whyman.

Australia, the 2010 champions, ‌launch the 12-nation tournament ​against the Philippines in ‌Perth on March 1 and also play South Korea and Iran in Group A.

Australia Women's Asian Cup squad:

(International caps in brackets)

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (61), Teagan Micah (28), Jada Whyman (0)

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (93), Steph Catley (141), Winonah Heatley (13), Clare Hunt (39), Alanna Kennedy (142), Courtney Nevin (40), Jamilla Rankin (7), Charlize Rule (1)

Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (37), Kyra Cooney-Cross (63), Katrina Gorry (118), Amy Sayer (19), Emily van Egmond (165), Clare Wheeler (34)

Forwards: Caitlin Foord (140), Mary Fowler (63), Michelle Heyman (85), Kahli Johnson (3), Sam Kerr (131), Holly McNamara (16), Hayley Raso (103), Remy Siemsen (14), Kaitlyn Torpey (21)