AFLW legend Daisy Pearce will commence her head coaching career in 2024, with the former Demon tipped to earn the currently vacant role as West Coast's womens coach.
A pioneer of the competition, Pearce played 55 games for the Demons between 2017 and 2022, earning premiership honours during season seven.
Pearce's illustrious career came to an official close in January of 2023, with the Bright native earning best and fairest honours three times, a trifecta of All-Australian nods and the honour of being named the league's best skipper on four occasions.
Since hanging up the boots, Pearce has held several media posts and has worked with the Geelong Football Club, helping steer the development of Chris Scott's side.
Yet, despite having three years to run on her deal at Kardinia Park, Pearce will head across the Nullabor to reunite with former mentor, and Eagles' Head of Womens Football Michelle Cowan, taking over from departed Eagles coach Michael Prior.
In a statement released by the Lathlain club, Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett couldn't hide his excitement at the coup.
โWe are obviously thrilled to have someone of Daisy's standing joining our club,โ Nisbett told Eagles Media.
โThis is a tremendous fillip for our women's program and she comes to us at an ideal time to assist in the growth and development of our team.
โDaisy's record speaks for itself and she has all the credentials required to help our young squad achieve their undoubted potential. I know our players will be absolutely delighted with this appointment.
โWhile we are thrilled to have her on board, she is equally excited by the opportunity and is keen to get to work as soon as possible in directing the evolution of the squad.โ
Pearce herself said that the connection forged with Cowan during their days at the Demons had helped her in making the shift from Geelong to the West.
โThe decision to leave Geelong was a difficult one and I want to thank the Club for everything they have done for me over the last twelve months," Pearce said.
"In a short time I learnt an enormous amount and have been surrounded by colleagues who I admire and feel so fortunate to have worked with.
โI'm grateful for the confidence Michelle, Trevor and the team have shown in appointing me for this incredible opportunity. I'm excited to be a senior coach, particularly with this young Eagles team that has so much upside.
โIt has come at the right time for me and this a role and a move that my family and I are going to embrace.
โI feel a great sense of responsibility for shaping the right environment and adding to the good foundations that are already here to develop this emerging list of players.ย I can't wait to get started by playing a role during the remainder of the sign and trade period and at next week's draft.โ
Since entering the competition in 2020, West Coast's womens team have proven perennial underachievers, never once qualifying for finals under the watch of Prior or predecessors Daniel Pratt and Luke Dwyer.
At the cessation of the 2023 season, the Eagles currently hold a 7-win and 37-loss record.
