Debutant coach Daisy Pearce has recorded her first win at the helm of blue and gold, with the West Coast Eagles fighting off Richmond for a one-point victory on Friday night.

Pearce expressed her pride for the developing squad and what they managed to produce in the 6.4 (40) to 5.9 (39) nail-biter.

“I’m just proud, proud of the way they fought the game out,” Pearce said.

“I thought we set up really well in the first half and got the game looking the way that we wanted, and our pressure around the ball.

“If we didn’t execute or nail the first or second tackle, we had a third and fourth player turning up to make sure that we were able to win the ball back and get it going our way.”

“To see the young group that we put out on the park tonight think and problem solve through that and fight the way they did, it gives us great belief.”

The connection between Pearce and the players is evident, and building those relationships early was a main focus of hers.  

“That was probably my priority coming here, to build relationships and make sure that every single player feels like I value them and see them for their strengths and want to help them develop as footballers and people,” Pearce said.

“I know they haven’t been able to have that kind of reward of winning as much as they would have liked.

“With the seven debutants we put out there, five in their first ever AFLW game, with an average of about 20 games of experience across the park.

“For them to go up against a really strong Richmond side like that and compete and stay connected through whatever the game threw at us, we’ll take that.”

Former-Tiger Jess Hosking made her club debut against her old side on Friday night, impressing with 15 disposals, six marks, five tackles and two goals.

“She was outstanding,” Pearce said.

“As soon as we knew ‘Hosko’ was available, we knew we wanted a bit of maturity and experience to help complement our young list.

“We wanted someone who is an unconditional competitor, to make sure on days like this, and throughout the week when we’re training, that we can maintain a really high standard of competitiveness.

“Hosko’ brings that, and she also brings her great ability to connect our group, in hard times and in good times like tonight.

“Aside from the goals she kicked, which she finished brilliantly under pressure and against her old side as well, it’s just her ability to compete.”

Mineral Resources Park was filled with a record crowd of over 2000 fans on Friday night, a heartwarming turnout from the West Coast faithful.

“It’s an amazing competition that we’re a part of, and to be in a role like this is a real privilege,” Pearce said.

“It’s good to have the season underway and AFLW footy back, and to be a part of it on opening night and have a record crowd turn up to support our club.

“It was awesome to be a part of, a big thanks to the fans that turned up to support us.”