Mary Fowler drops social media reveal of her new look and a possible hint that she could be ready to become a mother one day

Matildas attacking ace Mary Fowler has set tongues wagging on social media after suggesting motherhood could be on the horizon.

Fowler, 21, posted a series of images on Instagram on Tuesday – as well as a cryptic message which read: ‘it’s OK if it takes a little longer than you thought.’

She also showcased her new look, with Fowler now sporting hair braids.

It comes as the Manchester City winger continues a long-distance relationship with NRL superstar Nathan Cleary.

The halfback, 27, recently admitted Fowler being based in the United Kingdom while he is in Sydney takes its toll.

‘It’s been tough, it’s definitely not something that I ever thought I’d do,’ he told the Keegan and Company podcast.

Matildas attacking ace Mary Fowler has set tongues wagging on social media after suggesting motherhood could be on the horizon (pictured, with boyfriend Nathan Cleary)

Fowler, 21, posted a series of images on Instagram – as well as a cryptic message which read: ‘it’s OK if it takes a little longer than you thought’ (pictured)

The Matildas star also showcased her new hairstyle, with the braids making her hair less likely to tangle, move around or fall on her face while on the move

The Women’s Super League is on pause leading into 2025, with Fowler (pictured) next in action on January 20 for Manchester City in a derby versus the Red Devils

Fowler is tipped to fly to Australia to catch up with family, friends and Cleary for Christmas

‘I think it sort of helped for us that as soon as we met each other, and we sort of got talking, we knew it was going to lead down to that path and if we wanted to do it, it was going to be long distance.

‘Sometimes you just get home and you want a little cuddle, but I think it’s helped us in a way to connect on more than just (on) a physical level and actually have genuine conversations.

‘We just navigate around it and when we do see each other, it’s the best thing ever. You are really grateful for those moments we get to spend together. We’re constantly talking on FaceTime or whatever and we sort of find our way through that.’

The Panthers playmaker said that both he and Fowler have spoken about having children, but at this stage their respective sporting careers take precedent.

‘Definitely want to (have kids) in the future. I’d love for it to be with Mary, I just think she’ll be the best mother,’ he said.

‘But yeah, we’ll see. It’s not a rush at the moment but definitely in the future … post footy, I would love to have a little family of my own.’

Cleary added a key to their blossoming relationship is that they both understand each other’s high profile worlds.

‘She definitely understands…sometimes it’s just nice to just sit there as two human beings and enjoy each other’s company and talk about something other than sport,’ he said.

‘When we’re together….we have that support and trust that if something is going wrong, we can talk to each other about it and sort of bounce ideas off each other, it’s been really nice.’

The Women’s Super League is currently on pause leading into 2025, with Fowler next in action on January 20 in a Manchester derby versus the Red Devils.

She is tipped to fly to Australia to catch up with family, friends and Cleary for Christmas.