SATURDAY night saw Melbourne celebrate the season that was, crowning its newly renamed Daisy Pearce Trophy.
It was announced at the event that the Demons’ AFLW Best and Fairest would honour Pearce, who’s had an immeasurable impact on the league and the club, having won three club championship awards during her playing career at Melbourne.
Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks finished the vote count on an equal 64, two fitting winners with the duo having led the team during Season 8 following the retirement of former captain Pearce.
Both Demons worked closely with Pearce within the club’s leadership group, making it an extra special moment for Hore and Hanks.
“Daisy’s obviously left a really important mark on our game and our club,” Hanks said.
“I think there's no better person to name our trophy after.
“It's really touching that it’s named after her and I think it’s so deserving, I’m just really honoured to be able to win that.”
The two sang the praises of their teammates, grateful to share the podium alongside one another.
Hore highlighted the impact of Hanks as vice-captain and the spirit that she played with, both on and off the field.
“What an honour to be able to share this award with Hanksy,” Hore said.
“She stepped up massively this season with that vice captaincy role, and not only in her leadership capacity but her on-field capacity as well.
“She’s an absolute joy to play with and for us to be the first winners of the Daisy Pearce inaugural club champion award, it's super special.”
Hanks was quick to echo this sentiment for Hore, who spent her first season at the helm of the team, named captain following Pearce’s departure.
“I think obviously it was really big shoes to fill coming out of Daisy’s [leadership], it was always going to be a challenge,” Hanks said.
“But Kate did it perfectly and I don't think we could have been led in any better way.
“And I wouldn’t want to be up here with anyone else…she inspires everyone.”
In exciting news for the Demons, it was announced on Friday that the dual winners would remain in the red and blue for the next four years, both signing contract extensions that will see them stay at the club until the end of 2027.
“[I’m] very excited, there’s nowhere else I'd rather be,” Hore said.
“I think it's a really exciting time for the club, and while we didn't get the result we wanted to this year, I think we're onwards and upwards and [we’re] really excited for the future.
“A massive thank you to the club for having the faith in me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
