Robbie Slater: ‘Mary Fowler is potentially the answer’ to the hole Sam Kerr has left in Matildas team

As the final Matildas’ Olympic spots remain up for grabs, former Socceroo Robbie Slater believes it’s time the players step up after a ‘novice’ performance against China.

It was a novice performance - there is a lot on the line - only 18 can make that plane but one player’s absence stood out in the flat performance against China.

And it wasn’t because she was sitting on the bench with the Matildas’ engine room when the match started.

She won’t be come the Olympics either.

Because Sam Kerr isn’t making a miracle comeback for Paris.

Her absence was very noticeable on Friday night.

Michelle Heyman has done well. There is no doubt with five goals out of four games but when I look at it you miss Kerr.

Michelle Heyman has been solid in attack for the Matildas. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

It’s not just because she is the best goal scorer in women’s football.

It’s the energy she brings to this Matildas team and that is going to be missed at the Olympics, as it was during the World Cup.

But it can’t be changed.

That’s the problem and the other girls are going to need to step up.

The Matildas didn’t get a shot on goal in the first half - that shows how well our attack worked.

At the Olympics goals will have to come from everywhere because the level is going to be a lot higher.

We know the group is going to be very hard.

Mary Fowler is potentially the answer - but coach Tony Gustavsson needs to play her in the right position.

The decision to play Fowler on the left wing in the first half against China was wrong.

She had no influence on the game. She operates best when she plays through the middle.

We are going to need Fowler if we’re going to have a good Olympics.

The midfield mix was just not right and our penetration down the flanks where we are usually very, very good was pretty much non-existent.

Slater declares Mary Fowler crucial to a successful Olympic campaign. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Nerves could attribute to some of the disjointed performance in Adelaide.

We know only 18 players will be named in the Olympic squad. We know Tony Gustavsson has already chosen 14 or 15 of those players.

It’s normal for the players to be nervous. Especially those fighting for a spot.

You’ve got two games to perform basically or possibly one if he starts Steph Catley, Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter in Sydney to give a more positive send off.

I wouldn’t say those fighting for a spot like Clare Wheeler, didn’t perform. But did they perform well enough in that flat performance? It’s undecided.

No one was so off the mark that they ruled themselves out but no one stood out.

It was by their own admission not one of their best performances.

Even Heyman who scored the goal and she has now scored five in the last four games - but it’s a goal that China should have never conceded. It was a mistake from the goalkeeper. Yes Heyman had to be there but as an attacking threat we really struggled.

When we get to the Olympics, with the quality of our opposition we are going to have to be better than that.

Gustavsson and the entire team will be nervously waiting for confirmation on how much damage Foord has done to her hamstring.

The Matildas will be hopeful that Caitlin Foord hasn’t done significant damage to her hamstring. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The injury is the biggest news out of the game. It needs to be managed. You don’t come off unless there is a problem.

She won’t play in Sydney - we just have to hope she hasn’t done massive damage to it.

There is still plenty of time before the Olympics but it will disrupt her preparation.

I’d probably start my strongest team in Sydney. It’s a farewell match as well so you need to think of the fans. You’ve got plenty of time in the 90 minutes to give some of those fringe players another look.

The match also doubles as a farewell for goalkeeper Lydia Williams who announced last month she would retire from international football after the Olympics.

She has had an unbelievable career. She has been through some amazing times with the Matildas now but was also there when their popularity wasn’t what it is today.

It will be a great moment for her.

Originally published as Robbie Slater: ‘Mary Fowler is potentially the answer’ to the hole Sam Kerr has left in Matildas team