PARIS OLYMPICS: Unlocking Mary Fowler is top priority for next Matildas boss, Tom Sermanni says

Asian Cup-winning Matildas coach Tom Sermanni says the next Australia coach must be bold enough to oversee a radical shake-up to the national team by placing Mary Fowler at the heart of the side’s gameplan.

Sermanni, who managed Australia in two stints, feels 21-year-old Fowler struggled to make an impact at the Paris Olympics where the side’s group-stage exit led to Football Australia parting ways with Tony Gustavsson.

FA is set to kickstart the hunt for Gustavsson’s long-term replacement over the coming weeks but has yet to identify a No. 1 target.

But whoever takes the job will have to oversee a changing of the guard, with many of Australia’s golden generation to be into their mid 30s by the time the LA Games roll around in 2028.

Sermanni said that meant it was now time for Fowler to become the team’s attacking fulcrum.

“She is the player you’ve got to build the team around for me,” Sermanni told AAP.

“I thought she was on the periphery too much at this tournament.

“I think going forward she’s got to be in the key area of the field to dictate how the team plays.

“You’ve got to have her somewhere in that central area where she can really hurt teams.

“She’s effective out wide but she has the vision, hits great passes and is the player you need to build the team around.”

Sermanni said it would take a “brave” coach to immediately come in and edge out mainstays of the senior side for the last decade.

But with an 18-month run-up to the 2026 Asian Cup, the Scot said the next manager had time to facilitate a quiet revolution.

“That should be enough time, you’re not wiping out 10 players overnight,” Sermanni said.

“You’d think it’s more of a natural process where some of the younger ones get to the standard to keep the team at a high enough level.”

Sermanni said the new manager would need to command instant respect from a dressing room full of big personalities.

While he stopped short of backing Sydney FC boss Ante Juric for the gig, Sermanni claimed the former Socceroos defender’s character and local knowledge meant he deserved to come under consideration.

“I think Ante has the confidence and personality to handle the players,” Sermanni said.

“He’s been a huge success here but he’s also played the game at the top level and overseas and that background gives you respect straightaway.

“He has the temperament to say, ‘I’m in charge here’ and he’s somebody who should be well in the frame.”