DAISY Pearce will pull on the red and blue again, signing on for the 2021/22 AFL Women’s season.
The Demons’ captain put pen to paper earlier this week, agreeing to terms for what will be her fifth season of the competition, having welcomed twins during the 2019 season.
Pearce, who recently underwent surgery on her injured knee, almost reinvented herself in season 2021, with a move up forward exciting her teammates and fans alike.
The 33-year-old will look to replicate that form come summer, and having missed Melbourne’s two finals appearances this year, will be hungrier than ever.
“I’m grateful to have another opportunity to play in the red and blue and do what I love,” Pearce told Melbourne Media.
“We have such a talented and quality group of girls, I’m excited to see what we can achieve this upcoming season.”
Pearce joins a multitude of Demons in signing on, including vice-captain Karen Paxman, Rising Star Tyla Hanks, dominant ruck Lauren Pearce and flashy forward Kate Hore.
All four have secured extended deals, meaning they’re locked in for the next two years, alongside the likes of youngsters Alyssa Bannan and Eliza McNamara – a positive for Melbourne, with the competition’s expansion just around the corner.
New recruits Tayla Harris and Olivia Purcell have joined on one and two-year deals respectively, while defender Libby Birch, midfielder Lily Mithen and stalwart Shelley Scott have signed on for season 2021/22.
The Demons finish the Sign and Trade Period, which officially came to a close on Wednesday, with some impressive additions and commitment from a core group of players – a pleasing outcome for AFLW list manager Todd Patterson.
“We are very happy with our Sign and Trade Period, where we were able to execute the second step in a strategy, we started last year,” he said.
“We set out at the beginning of the period to bring in one elite under 25-year-old and to bring in two, especially in the positions we have, puts us in a strong position.
“Even more importantly, we have seen continued commitment from our existing group, who remain dedicated to our club and our goal of achieving the ultimate success.
“We truly believe that this group is capable of achieving the ultimate success.”
Melbourne’s AFLW Squad
Contracted for the 2021/22 season
Daisy Pearce
Sarah Lampard
Libby Birch
Shelley Scott
Lily Mithen
Sinead Goldrick
Megan Fitzsimon
Lauren Magee
Krstel Petrevski
Gabby Colvin
Isabella Simmons
Tayla Harris
Contracted for the 2022/2023 season
Maddi Gay
Karen Paxman
Tyla Hanks
Kate Hore
Lauren Pearce
Alyssa Bannan
Jackie Parry
Casey Sherriff
Brenna Tarrant
Maggie Caris
Eliza McNamara
Eden Zanker
Shelley Heath
Olivia Purcell
