Pearce announces departure following coaching announcement

GEELONG Cats AFL development coach Daisy Pearce will move west in 2024 to take on the position of senior coach in the West Coast Eagles’ AFLW program.

Pearce joined Chris Scott’s coaching staff for the 2023 AFL season in a development role through the league’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program.

She thanked the Geelong Football Club for her opportunity to be a part of its coaching staff.

“I’m grateful for the care and support I received in my role as a development coach with Geelong and leave the club fortunate to have learnt from some of the best minds in the business,” she said.

“In particular, I’d like to thank Steve Hocking, Chris Scott, and Nigel Lappin, who have all been incredible role models and mentors in my first season coaching in the AFL.

“Geelong is widely revered from the outside for its high performing culture and outstanding people.

“To have the opportunity to be inside the Club exceeded the external perception and was a privilege.

“All that I have learned at Geelong will hold me in good stead as I embark on my next chapter with the Eagles’ AFLW program, and I’m excited to be able to continue my development as a coach.”

Pearce, best known for her on-field success with the Melbourne Football Club, is also a premiership captain.

Her impressive 55-game AFLW career (including three All-Australian selections and three best-and-fairests with Melbourne) put her in good stead as she transitioned into the coaching sphere at Geelong.

Pearce’s role at the Cattery saw her to participate in game planning sessions, match committee meetings, the matchday coaching box, and it gave her the chance to work closely with the club’s first- to fourth-year players.