Melbourne captain and trailblazer Daisy Pearce has introduced she’s going to cling up the boots after 55 AFLW video games and a fairytale premiership win.
An emotional Pearce fronted the media alongside Melbourne coach Mick Stinear on Wednesday morning to announce her retirement, thanking Stinear, her teammates and membership workers.
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Pearce helped lead the Demons to their first AFLW premiership, placing the cherry on prime of her phenomenal profession.
She walks away from the sport after making three All-Australian groups, profitable 4 greatest captain awards and three membership greatest and fairests.
The 34-year-old captured 10 premierships and 6 league greatest and fairests at Darebin earlier than the AFLW competitors commenced.
An emotional Pearce confirmed the news of her retirement to the media as she fought again tears.
“I wasn’t aware that I’ d actually have to announce it myself … I’ll be making my retirement,” she stated.
“Winning the flag last season almost made the decision harder as footy for me was never about the big moments or the trophies. Footy was about my team, the relationships, the environment and the little everyday moments that come with being part of a footy club. That is what I love and will miss the most.
“Footy has been a huge part of my life, forever really, but in terms of senior footy, it’s almost twenty years. It has played a big part in shaping who I am.
“In many ways, not playing anymore feels like I am giving up a part of me, my identity, but the end comes for everyone, and I just feel so lucky to have had the long, fulfilling career I’ve had and so many wonderful memories.
“I want to thank the Melbourne Football Club for everything they have done for me over the last decade. The players, coaches, club staff, volunteers and most importantly our passionate supporters who have been there for the journey.
“As a young girl, I dreamed of having an opportunity to play professional footy. It was a dream that didn’t seem possible. So, to have pulled on the red and blue Melbourne jumper and to have been a part of our first AFLW premiership in the first season where every AFL club had a women’s team representing it, and to know that this competition is only getting bigger and better, is something I cherish.
“I am proud of how much women’s footy has grown, privileged to have been involved in an era where we can appreciate where it’s come from and so excited that every young kid can now dream of a future in our sport.
“Closing the chapter on my playing career with a very full heart, not just because we ticked the premiership box in the season just gone, but because of a career I’ve loved and cherished.
“I feel like it’s the right decision and it probably mostly came down to this feeling of contentedness inside of me which is new as a football player.
Pearce has become a star behind the microphone at Channel 7 and her post football career will also include coaching after securing a role with the Geelong Cats.
“That chapter of my life is a full one and I’ll take away some amazing relationships and I have a real excitement and optimism about what’s next,” she stated.
Her retirement announcement left soccer followers throughout the nation heartbroken and praising Pearce for all the things she had performed for the sport.
– with Ed Bourke, NCA Newswire
