West Coast Eagles coach Daisy Pearce has been selected as senior assistant coach of the Australian team for the upcoming NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match in Sydney.
The AFL today confirmed the selection panels, including the senior coaches, senior assistant coaches and chairs of selectors for each team.
Pearce will support dual North Melbourne premiership coach Darren Crocker, who has been appointed to lead Australia in the historic clash at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, August 1.
An inaugural star of the AFLW competition and Australian Football Hall of Fame member, Pearce claimed three All-Australian blazers, three club best and fairests, and a premiership across 55 games for Melbourne.
Following her retirement at the end of 2022, Pearce moved into coaching and was appointed AFLW senior coach of the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season, leading the club to its maiden AFLW finals campaign in 2025.
Pearce was also named best on ground in the contest between Victoria and the Allies in 2017 – the first AFLW representative match, and the competition’s only representative fixture until the announcement of NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland earlier this month.
Australian Football Hall of Fame member Debbie Lee has been appointed chair of selectors for Australia.
Lee, who played 302 VWFL games, is a three-time premiership player, a six-time All-Australian, seven-time club champion and five-time league best and fairest medallist.
A trailblazer of women’s football, Lee also played a key role in the establishment of the AFLW competition.
The selection panels for Australia and Ireland will meet to select players for their respective teams, based on a mix of the best available players and emerging talent.
Player announcements will begin next month as tickets for the 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match go on sale.
The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played under Australian Football Rules, with a classic Sherrin football.
The match will start at 2:15pm WST and will be broadcast exclusively live around the country on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
