The call that kickstarted an AFLW coaching process

DAISY Pearce has revealed a seemingly standard conversation with one of her mentors was the catalyst behind her foray into AFLW coaching that is set to bring a new level of interest to the competition.

Last week Pearce put pen to paper to become West Coast’s next AFLW coach, replacing Michael Prior after his departure in October.

It’s her first foray into AFLW coaching after spending a year as an assistant with Geelong’s men’s program and comes after the Eagles’ reported interest in Pearce a fortnight ago.

A That Code Sports report cited Pearce’s relationship with Eagles AFLW footy boss Michelle Cowan as a big factor, and now the former Demon has confirmed that as true.

“The long-term relationship with Michelle Cowan is a big factor. It’s a well-resourced club and we’re so excited for the challenge,” Pearce said.

Pearce and Cowan share a special bond, having captained and coached respectively together at Melbourne during the exhibition series before the AFLW was established.

“It was a call from Michelle. A conversation with her isn’t unusual, but I could tell this was more than chewing the fat and chatting ideas. From then it was onto Trevor and my manager,” Pearce said.

Cowan coached Fremantle from 2016 until 2018 before joining West Coast.

Wearing the Eagles colours for the first time, Pearce exclaimed her excitement at joining “one of the biggest clubs in the land” and credited the likes of Cats coach Chris Scott for plenty of learnings.

Pearce spent 2023 as an assistant and development coach at Geelong and was contracted for a further four years, but the club was only too happy to congratulate Pearce on her new appointment.

“While we’re disappointed to lose Daisy from our AFL program, we understand the significance of this opportunity, and wish her every success in her new role with the Eagles,” Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie said.

“When Daisy joined the club through the Coaching Acceleration program, it was to fast-track her development and expand her existing skills and knowledge, whilst giving greater insight into the workings of a football department as a coach, and the program has delivered just that.

“This is just the next step in what looks set to be a long, exciting journey for Daisy in the AFL and AFLW coaching space, and we were thrilled to have been part of the start of that journey.”

Pearce played 55 games for Melbourne and was a three-time best and fairest winner before departing the game a premiership-winning captain and one of its most recognisable stars.

– SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN