GEELONG has been successful in its application of Daisy Pearce, as part of the AFL’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program.
The women coaches will be employed by their AFL Club for a minimum two-year period between now and 2025.
Pearce will join the club post her playing career at the Melbourne Football Club.
“I’m thrilled about coaching opportunities when my playing days at Melbourne have finished. When that is, honestly I’m not sure but coaching is something that excites me when the time is right. I’m grateful for Geelong’s interest and Melbourne’s ongoing support” Pearce said.
“For the season ahead, my focus remains on representing the Melbourne Football Club and being the best player and teammate I can be. Going one step further and winning the flag is my dream and I can’t wait to get stuck into another pre season with the girls.”
The AFL launched the program late in 2021 as part of the League’s commitment to create legitimate coaching pathways for women.
As part of the program, successful applicants will have a formal mentorship with a senior men’s AFL coach, participate in game planning sessions, match committee meetings, and have access to the AFL match day coaching box.
Clubs will work with the women coaches in developing a defined set of development objectives, including achieving the Level 3 AFL Coaching Accreditation.
Geelong GM of Football Simon Lloyd said he was delighted by the successful application.
“Daisy has incredible knowledge of the game itself and we think she has enormous potential to coach football at the highest level.”
“For the season ahead, we know Daisy is committed to Melbourne Football Club and continuing to be the incredible player she is for season seven of AFLW.
“It’s a credit to the AFL for setting up the Women’s Coach Acceleration Program to assist with providing more opportunities for women in our game, and we will be delighted to have Daisy on board when the time is right.”
The program will be co-funded with the AFL, with the relevant Soft Cap exemptions in place over the two years.
