Club legends Daisy Pearce and Paxy Paxman have added to Melbourne’s rich history, receiving life membership at the Daisy Pearce Trophy on Saturday evening.

Retiring CEO Gary Pert presented the pair with their framed accolades at the club’s AFLW best and fairest event, acknowledging their significant contributions over their tenures.

Pearce, an AFLW trailblazer, captained the Dees in 2017-2018, then again from 2020 to season seven in 2022, after taking time off in 2019 to give birth to twins, Sylvie and Roy.

Playing 55 games in the red and blue, Pearce’s incredible career also included three All-Australian selections (2017, 2018, 2022), three-time club best and fairest awards, and was named AFLW Players’ Association best captain on four occasions (2017, 2018, 2020, 2022).

Pearce called time on her playing days following Melbourne’s inaugural premiership in 2022, after seven seasons with the club and a storied career with over 200 games at VFLW level.

The marquee player remains one of club’s most revered players, with Melbourne’s AFLW best and fairest trophy named in her honour last year.

Paxman is one of the most recognisable figures in the AFLW, with the pioneer one of only a handful of players remaining in the competition who played in the first AFLW exhibition match in 2013.

Having played 77 games to date, Paxman is a highly respected leader in the team, recognised in Melbourne’s senior leadership group in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (Season 6), and 2024. She is also a two-time winner of the club’s best and fairest award (2019 and 2021) and was part of Melbourne’s inaugural premiership side.

Paxman is the all-time club leader in disposals, inside 50s and stoppage clearances, a testament to her competitive edge across her entire career.

Additionally, she has been a member of five All-Australian teams (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) and was a leader of the VFLW as a four-time premiership player.

The latest recipients join Melbourne’s esteemed list of players, directors, staff and volunteers, who have all had significant impact on the club and its history.