There had been plenty of questions over the readiness of the illustrious duo with Fowler having been sidelined for three weeks since making a 15-minute return for Manchester City following her long injury absence and Kerr cutting a frustrated figure for Chelsea with only bit-part cameos.
But with Australia's opening Asian Cup match just a week away against Philippines in Kerr's Perth backyard, the pair chose the perfect moment to demonstrate their sharpness as they helped steer their sides into the quarter-finals of the Cup.
Kerr, who always seems to come alive during the Women's FA Cup, having scored five goals in three final victories and having netted a double against Crystal Palace in the previous round, this time transformed the fifth-round tie against Manchester United after coming on as a 72nd minute sub at Kingsmeadow.
On her 150th appearance for the Blues, the Matildas skipper soon livened up Chelsea's stuttering attack, scoring within six minutes of her entrance, a left foot strike cannoning in off the post after fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter's delivery into the box wasn't cleared.
Simi Awujo bundled in an equaliser for United within three minutes, but Chelsea sealed a 2-1 win in extra-time with a maiden goal for their US world-record signing defender Naomi Girma.
"I know it's not been easy for Sam, because she's a competitive player who wants to play a lot of minutes, and I understand that," said Sonia Bompastor, referring to how she's so often used Kerr as a sub since she returned from her ACL injury.
"But those on the bench are really important for me, because they can make an impact when they come in. I think that's what Sam did today, and it's great for the team. I'm really happy for her."
Sam Kerr is inevitable!— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) February 22, 2026📺 Watch live on @footballontnt and @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/cUAKsNmt3b
It spells more good news for Matildas' boss Joe Montemurro, who had commented in the week on Kerr's enthusiasm, noting "there's something in Sam's voice ... there's a buzz in the air when you speak to her."
But he'll perhaps have been even happier that at Man City's Joie Stadium, Fowler started her first match since last April, and came close to scoring at one point during her 63 minutes of influential action as the WSL leaders eased past Sheffield United 4-0, with help of a first-half brace from Lauren Hemp.
Mary Fowler back on the Joie pitch 🥹— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) February 22, 2026� @Joie_Baby pic.twitter.com/nhoTDV1hom
Some of the other English-based Matildas also signed off in style before flying off to Australia, with Ellie Carpenter also helping Chelsea to their win while Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley featured in Arsenal's 3-0 win stroll against Bristol City.
Kim Little gave the Gunners a first-half lead before strikes from Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum finished the job. Foord earned a penalty when she was brought down, but Alessia Russo's spot kick was saved.
First-half goals from Fran Kirby and Kiko Seike earned Brighton a 2-1 victory over Katrina Gorry's West Ham, while Clare Wheeler's Everton also got knocked out 2-1 in a Merseyside derby at Liverpool.
