West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce was tonight inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

The 2022 Melbourne premiership captain, three-time All-Australian and three-time Melbourne Best and Fairest stands arguably as the most influential and respected figure in the AFLW.

Just the third woman to be inducted, behind AFLW pioneer Debbie Lee in 2021, and fellow 2025 inductee Erin Phillips, Pearce has been an icon of the women’s game since long before the League’s first season in 2017.

“It’s an incredible honour, I can’t quiet believe it to be honest,” Pearce said of her induction.

“As a young, country girl who loved footy more than anything and thought there was no option to play professionally, a moment like this never seemed possible.

“I can’t believe the growth of women’s footy, I’m so proud to have played a small part and hope it continues to go from strength to strength.

“Congratulations also to Erin and of course to Debbie, who was a mentor of mine, and huge thank you to the AFL, my family and all those who have supported me.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Daisy Pearce, Hall of Fame Inductee poses with their Australian Football Hall of Fame certificate during the Australian Football Hall of Fame at Crown Palladium on June 10, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Pearce began her football career with the Darebin Falcons in the VWFL in 2005, captaining the club from 2008 to 2016, and going on to win 10 premierships, seven as captain, and seven VWFL best and fairest awards.

After representing Victoria at under-19 and senior level, Pearce was picked up by Melbourne with the first pick in the inaugural national women’s draft in 2013 for the first women’s exhibition game and led Melbourne’s team in the first AFLW season in 2017.

As a player, Pearce was renowned for her leadership and high football IQ, further highlighted through her insights on the game as she transitioned into media and commentary roles across both AFL and AFLW.

Ahead of the 2024 season, Pearce signed with the West Coast Eagles as head coach of the AFLW team, in what was one of the biggest recruiting coups in the club’s history.

Prior to signing on with the Eagles, Pearce launched her coaching career as an AFL development coach under Chris Scott at Geelong.

“Daisy has shaped our game at so many levels,” West Coast Eagles Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan said.

“She’s not only been a part of the AFLW story, but the broader AFL landscape as a captain, a commentator and now our coach. Her impact runs deep.

“We are so proud to have Daisy at the West Coast Eagles and to have her leading our AFLW team.

“A huge congratulations to her on this well-deserved recognition, her legacy is inspiring to so many.”

Daisy Pearce AFLW career highlights:

  • Premiership player (S7)
  • Melbourne captain (2017-2018, 2020-2022)
  • 3 x AFLW All-Australian Team (2017, 2018, S6)
  • 3 x Melbourne Best and Fairest (2017, 2018, S6)
  • 4 x AFLPA AFLW Best Captain (2017, 2018, 2020, S6)
  • AFLW State of Origin Best on Ground (2017)

Daisy Pearce Australian Football Hall of Fame Induction

Senior coach and AFLW champion Daisy Pearce was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night. See all the photos here.
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