The West Coast Eagles have completed one of the biggest recruiting coups of their history by appointing Melbourne great Daisy Pearce as the Club's fourth AFLW senior coach.
Arguably the most influential and respected figure in the women’s game, the Eagles made a successful bid to lure Pearce to take over the coaching reins of its exciting and developing list.
The signing of Pearce is a momentous milestone in the evolution of the club’s women’s program. The 2022 Melbourne premiership captain, three-time all-Australian and three-time Melbourne fairest and best who was also four times voted the AFLPA AFLW best captain, stands as arguably the most revered figure in the women’s game.
She was also a 10 times VWFL/VFLW premiership player.
As a player Pearce played in multiple positions and was known for her high football intelligence and leadership which has been demonstrated with her insights on the game across various media roles in recent years.
For the last 12 months she has been part of the coaching structure within the Geelong men’s program as a development coach but saw the opportunity to coach her own team and decided that was the direction she wanted to head.
“We are obviously thrilled to have someone of Daisy’s standing joining our club,” Chief Executive Officer Trevor Nisbett said today.
“This is a tremendous fillip for our women’s program and she comes to us at an ideal time to assist in the growth and development of our team.
“Daisy’s record speaks for itself and she has all the credentials required to help our young squad achieve their undoubted potential. I know our players will be absolutely delighted with this appointment.
“While we are thrilled to have her on board, she is equally excited by the opportunity and is keen to get to work as soon as possible in directing the evolution of the squad.”
Pearce sees enormous potential in the program and is enthusiastic about the challenge of improving the on field performance of the team.
“The decision to leave Geelong was a difficult one and I want to thank the Club for everything they have done for me over the last twelve months," Pearce said.
"In a short time I learnt an enormous amount and have been surrounded by colleagues who I admire and feel so fortunate to have worked with.
“I’m grateful for the confidence Michelle, Trevor and the team have shown in appointing me for this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to be a senior coach, particularly with this young Eagles team that has so much upside.
“It has come at the right time for me and this a role and a move that my family and I are going to embrace.
“I feel a great sense of responsibility for shaping the right environment and adding to the good foundations that are already here to develop this emerging list of players. I can’t wait to get started by playing a role during the remainder of the sign and trade period and at next week’s draft.”
