sport news The contenders to replace Sam Kerr as the focal point of the Matildas attack at ... trends now
The days are ticking down until the Paris Olympics and the Matildas have already stamped their passport with qualification to the main draw. But one burning question remains, who will replace Sam Kerr?
The Matildas proved there is life without their inspirational skipper and striker during their giant-slaying run through the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia in 2023.
Matildas captain and striker Sam Kerr has been cut down with an ACL injury and is unavailable for the Paris Olympics
It has left Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson in a quandary on who to replace her with - or whether to replace her at all
After suffering the ACL rupture in late 2023, there is almost no chance Kerr could recover to play even the most minor role at the Olympics
Though they would prefer their best player to be on the pitch, the Matildas have again been robbed of that luxury, this time because of an ACL injury suffered during a training camp with her club side Chelsea.
So with the days counting down until the Olympics officially launch on July 26, an important decision needs to be made. Who is going to replace Kerr as Australia's key striker as the Matildas chase Olympics medal glory?
Mary Fowler is at the peak of her powers and has realised her potential to become one of the most potent goal scorers in the Matildas squad
The Matildas may choose to play ducks and drakes with Fowler, though, electing to deploy her in a false nine rather than as an out-and-out striker
Widely seen as the natural replacement for Sam Kerr, having filled in for her with aplomb previously, Fowler, 21, was a standout at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, stepping in for the injured striker during the group stage matches and playing a key role in Australia's progression to the semi-final.
She impressed with a goal against Canada, an outstanding assist in the Round of 16 victory over Denmark, and scoring a crucial penalty in the shootout against France, marking her first penalty shootout participation.
Fowler's debut for the Matildas came much earlier, however. On July 27, 2018, at just 15 years old and without any professional league experience, she substituted for Kerr in a brief appearance.
Despite her young age, Fowler was already being hailed as a future star for the Matildas, drawing comparisons to Kerr for her potential.
Recently, Fowler reached 50 international caps as the second-youngest Matilda to do so. She celebrated this milestone with both a goal and an assist, helping the Matildas qualify for Paris.
However, there are concerns about moving Fowler from her preferred playing position. Football commentator David Basheer expressed caution about using Fowler solely as a striker, suggesting her best role is slightly withdrawn, playing as a false nine behind a main striker like Kerr.
This strategic consideration may keep Fowler in her usual role out wide, opening up the possibility for another player to step in as the primary striker.
Caitlin Foord
Foord took her chance at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and ran with it, becoming one of the best players in the squad on a consistent basis
The winger is tough as old shoelaces and would not look out of place pushed forward to replace Kerr if that is the way the Matildas choose to go
Set to play a crucial role in the Matildas' line-up, much like in the World Cup, the Arsenal forward will be heavily relied upon for scoring goals, whether she plays in the centre or on the left wing.
The Matildas recently gained momentum with a recent 2-0 win against Mexico, even without their star player Kerr, thanks to an outstanding performance by Foord. Her effort was highly praised by fans, highlighting her as essential for Australia's chance of success at the Olympics.
Australian football icon Andy Harper emphasised Foord's importance to the team during an interview with Channel 10. He described her as the 'critical factor that has helped the Matildas avoid defeats for the last year and a half to two years.'
While it's uncertain if Foord will lead the attack, coach Tony Gustavsson has previously opted for a flexible approach in Kerr's absence, using a false nine formation to outsmart the opposition. This tactic can be effective, but it also requires a solid backup plan when it fails.
Therefore, Foord might end up playing as the lone striker in Paris. However, Gustavsson might choose to utilise Michelle Heyman's experience, positioning Foord on the flank for her to make impactful runs and deliver key crosses, providing another dimension to the attack.
Michelle Heyman
Heyman has already got a taste for Paris, being chosen to model the official uniform of the Australian team ahead of the Olympics
If the Aussies want a like-for-like replacement for Kerr, Heyman fits the bill. However she is also a great
