MELBOURNE’S Daisy Pearce has been successful in her application as part of the AFL’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which will see her take up an opportunity with Geelong following her playing career.
Pearce, who is committed to the Dees for the upcoming AFLW season, will join Geelong at a date at her discretion once she hangs up the boots, where she will partake in a formal mentorship with a senior men’s AFL coach.
The program will run for a minimum two-year period and is part of the League’s vision to have more female coaches in the game.
It comes after the three-time Best and Fairest winner announced she would pull on the red and blue for season 7 of the competition, with no limits as to what her playing future holds.
Acknowledging the opportunity, Pearce reinforced her commitment to Melbourne and her immediate focus of next season.
“I can confirm I have spoken to Geelong about coaching opportunities when my playing days at Melbourne have finished,” she said.
“When that is, honestly, I’m not sure, but coaching at Geelong is something that excites me when the time is right. I’m grateful for Geelong’s interest and Melbourne’s ongoing support.
“For the season ahead, my focus remains on representing the Melbourne Football Club and being the best player and teammate I can be.
“Going one step further and winning the flag is my dream and I can’t wait to get stuck into another pre-season with the girls.”
Melbourne CEO Gary Pert congratulated Pearce on the successful application.
“This is a significant announcement for Daisy and her future, and as a club, we congratulate her on this fitting recognition,” he said.
“We have had open discussions with Daisy, where she has been transparent with us about her coaching aspirations, and we are fully supportive of her pursuit once she decides to retire from playing.
“There is quite an open timeline for Daisy to take up this opportunity, with the program running until 2025. When she is ready for her next chapter and hangs up the boots, she will have our blessing.
“For now, Daisy’s focus is on getting back with her teammates and stuck into pre-season, with our aim of going one better this upcoming AFL Women’s season.”
Melbourne will return to training next week, in preparation for season 7 beginning in August.
