Daisy Pearce
AFLW Pioneer, Captain and Australian Football Leader
Daisy Pearce is one of the most influential figures in Australian Rules Football and a pioneer of the AFL Women’s competition. Known for her leadership, elite playing ability, and contribution to women’s sport, Daisy Pearce has become one of the most respected athletes and media personalities in Australian football.
As a player, captain, commentator, and advocate for women’s football, Daisy Pearce has played a major role in the growth and success of AFLW both on and off the field.
Early Football Career
Daisy Pearce first gained national attention in 2007 when she represented the Victorian Women’s Football League in the E.J. Whitten Legends Game. During the match, she competed alongside and against former AFL stars including Scott Cummings, Nick Holland, Mick Martyn, and Nicky Winmar.
Her performances quickly established her as one of the leading talents in women’s Australian Rules Football.
In 2013, Daisy Pearce became the number one draft pick selected by the Melbourne Football Club in the first-ever women’s AFL draft, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s football in Australia.
She was also one of fifty female players who made history when Melbourne’s women’s team played against the Western Bulldogs women’s team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a curtain-raiser to the AFL match between the same clubs.
AFL Women’s Career
In 2016, Daisy Pearce was announced as one of Melbourne Football Club’s two marquee players for the inaugural AFL Women’s competition.
She was later named Melbourne’s first AFLW captain ahead of the 2017 AFL Women’s season, further cementing her role as a leader in the sport.
Daisy Pearce made her AFLW debut in the opening round of the 2017 season against Brisbane at Casey Fields. She immediately impressed with nineteen disposals and a game-high ten tackles, earning recognition as one of Melbourne’s best players.
Throughout the season, Pearce consistently delivered outstanding performances and was repeatedly named among Melbourne’s best players in matches against Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs, and Carlton.
Awards and Achievements
Daisy Pearce has received numerous awards and honours throughout her AFLW career.
At the conclusion of the 2017 AFLW season, she was:
- Named captain of the AFLW All-Australian Team
- Awarded the AFLW Players’ Best Captain Award
- Nominated by teammates for the AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player Award
She was also recognised by the AFL Players Association as “Player of the Week” for her standout round four performance during the inaugural AFLW season.
During the same season, Daisy Pearce ranked as the highest-rated player according to Champion Data, leading the competition in total disposals, total handballs, contested possessions, and goal assists.
In 2014, Pearce became the inaugural winner of Melbourne Football Club’s Best Female Player Award.
State of Origin and Leadership
In 2017, Daisy Pearce captained Victoria in the inaugural women’s State of Origin match, delivering a best-on-ground performance with 37 disposals in a dominant victory.
Her leadership, professionalism, and impact on the game have made her one of the defining figures of women’s Australian Rules Football.
Media Career and Off-Field Contributions
Beyond football, Daisy Pearce has become a highly respected media personality and commentator.
Since 2016, she has appeared as a rotating panel member on Seven Network’s AFL Game Day and has provided expert commentary and special comments for both Seven Network and Triple M across AFL and AFLW broadcasts.
In 2017, Daisy Pearce also made history by becoming the first woman elected as a director on the board of the AFL Players Association. During the same meeting, AFLW players were officially included as full members of the association.
The Melbourne Football Club also honoured her contribution to the sport by naming the club’s AFLW mascot “Daisy” in her honour.
Why Fans Admire Daisy Pearce
Daisy Pearce is admired for her leadership, determination, football intelligence, and contribution to the advancement of women’s sport in Australia. As both an elite athlete and influential media personality, she continues to inspire the next generation of footballers and remains one of the most important figures in AFLW history.
