DAISY Pearce will pull on the red and blue once again, committing to Melbourne for the next AFL Women’s season.
The Demons’ captain and three-time Best and Fairest winner announced the news on Monday.
Pearce, who finished up an impressive 2022 campaign last month, said she was looking forward to the challenge of season 7 in the red and blue, with no limits as to what the future holds.
“I’ve got at least one more in me,” Pearce said.
“I think since the kids, I thought to myself that it would be good to get back for one more, and I’ve kind of put this ceiling on it all the way along.
“The ‘one mores’ have turned into three more and here I am, feeling fit and healthy and like I can still contribute.
“Over and above all that, I just still love it. It’s still the highlight of my week, other than coming home to my beautiful family, to go down to footy training and [be part] of the cycle of a footy season.
“The team we’ve built at Melbourne over the last few years is special and I feel so lucky to be competing alongside such talented players and great people.
“I still love it, so why not?”
The decision comes off the back of a stellar season for the Dees, where the 33-year-old claimed the club’s Best and Fairest, achieved All-Australian honours and was named the AFLPA’s Best Captain.
Her individual accolades were matched with leading Melbourne to a maiden NAB AFLW Grand Final – the outcome of which will motivate her for what is anticipated to be an August start to AFLW Season 7.
“It’ll drive me, coming into this next season, to go close but to then ultimately not be good enough,” Pearce said.
“The Crows were just too good on the day and that’ll burn for the next couple of months.
Alongside preparing for her sixth outing at the top level, Pearce will continue her football media commitments with Channel 7 and SEN this year, sharing her insights as part of the AFL coverage.
Having had chance to reflect on her playing career and future aspirations in recent weeks, the much-loved character is focusing only on the opportunity in front of her, with her biggest supporters, partner Ben and twins Sylvie and Roy, in tow.
“I’ve never been clearer on what my role in the team is and [I’m grateful] to be doing it with great perspective of having a family and other great opportunities in life,” Pearce said.
“It’s media and footy this year, and then next year, who knows. It’s hard to forecast.
“The thing that people keep telling me, and that resonates with me, is that you’re a long-time retired.
“For as long as I’m loving it, I’d be silly to give it away.
Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said the club was rapt to have Daisy play on again in Season 7.
“Daisy has been integral to building our AFLW program into the successful and high performing program that it is today. She’s an amazing leader, teammate, club person and player,” said Pert.
“While Daisy’s able to compete at the highest level and play her role for the team, we want her out on the field. She provides exceptional leadership both on and off the ground and is showing no signs of slowing down, having taken our best and fairest, for the third time in her career, this season.
“As a club, we have been in constant communication with Daisy and her management and have made it clear that whatever path she chooses beyond this upcoming season she has the full support of Melbourne Football Club.”
