West Coast Eagles Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan says new coach Daisy Pearce has made a huge impact and unlocked a newfound sense of belief within the playing group since starting at the club. 

Champion AFLW former player Daisy Pearce will kick off a new era for the West Coast Eagles and her own career as she makes her debut as head coach at Mineral Resources Park against Richmond this Friday.

Since her announcement as coach in December last year, Pearce has hit three ground running starting with a long pre-pre-season designed to unlock potential, instill belief and bridge gap in skill level. 

Through these additional, non-compulsory sessions, there’s been a newfound drive and belief within the Eagles as they get ready to continue pushing for a maiden finals berth. 

Speaking ahead of round one, Cowan had high praise for Pearce as she herself is still finding her feet in this new role. 

“She’s been incredible. She was a fantastic player and I was fortunate enough to coach her. She was the captain when I was at Melbourne and really disciplined and applied herself,” she said.

“Her coaching is no different. She’s working really hard at her coaching craft and is so open to learning and growing and surrounding herself with people that are going to help support her through that.

“I think she might be a better coach than player and that’s a really big call. She’s been outstanding and not only just for our AFLW program and players, but for our entire club and no doubt the footy community in WA as well.” 

Pearce is no stranger to the game, having captained Melbourne to a premiership in 2022 and been an assistant coach for Geelong’s men’s team in 2023. 

However, this is the first time Pearce will take the reigns as a senior coach and still discovering things along the way. 

Cowan believes she has the right mindset and tools around her to cope with the demands of senior coaching for the first time. 

“It’s a tough gig, senior coaching, and it’s really important to surround yourself and have those outlets as well where you fill your own cup up,” she said.

“Having been there and now looking after the program has really been able to help support her having been in her shoes before, and just sharing some of those experiences. 

“She’s a sponge, and she wants to be better and she’s the first to say I don’t know everything, and wants to learn. 

“The biggest thing that I’ve seen with her is being able to instill this great belief within our playing group, and really unleash that potential that we know we had on our list and get these players playing at the standard that we know that they can.”

Last season West Coast finished second last on the ladder after winning two games, taking them to eight wins in five seasons. 

Additionally, the Eagles have not finished higher than 12th on the ladder in 2021, keeping in mind, it was a 14-team competition at that point in time. 

Heading into 2024 West Coast will be looking to build on this with finals possibly on the cards in the near future – as reflected through an intense, but productive preseason. 

“We’ve had a really strong preparation in this off season and lwe’ve had 42 extra training sessions than we did this time last year,” said Cowan.

“I’ve seen a massive shift in regards to our skill execution and we’ve got to bring that out on game day and under that game-like pressure that’s going to be the key for us. 

“But we want to play finals, the group’s being really open and honest about that. They’re aiming for that. They’re working really hard, they’re committed and they believe that they can do it.”

IMAGE: West Coast Eagles