Fowler, 15, was the top scorer in the Southeast Asian tournament, scoring 10 goals in seven matches against senior international sides to help Australia reach the final, where the Bankstown City Lions player scored twice in a 3-2 defeat to Thailand.
The promising teenager now has the opportunity to represent her country at senior level and potentially make her international debut at the elite tournament, which features the United States, Japan and Brazil - all of who are currently in the top seven of the FIFA Women's World Rankings.
With 2016 AFC Women's Player of the Year Caitlin Foord still regaining full fitness following an injury sustained in February, Australian head coach Stajcic explained the rationale for Fowler's call up.
“Mary has been brought in because Caitlin won’t be able to contribute in terms of game time, With Caitlin it will be a great to reintegrate her into the squad, but there’s also an opportunity to give another player an opportunity to come in," he said.
“Over the last six or seven months we’ve been tracking Mary and she’s shown the ability to find the back of the net. Both with her left and right foot, in and around the penalty box, Mary’s ability to find space in tight areas is the best I’ve seen for a young player her age.”
“The tournament will be a great opportunity for her to have a taste of what the next level is like."
The Matildas, who won the Tournament of Nations in 2017, will take their first step towards retaining the title against Brazil in Kansas City on July 26 as Australia begin preparations for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
Australia Squad - 2018 Tournament of Nations
Source: the-afc.com