West Coast coach and AFLW trailblazer Daisy Pearce has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Pearce became the third woman to be honoured behind pioneer Debbie Lee in 2021 and fellow 2025 inductee Erin Phillips in a ceremony on Tuesday night.
The 37-year-old, a premiership captain at Melbourne, three-time best and fairest winner and three-time All-Australian, is considered one of the most influential and respected figures in the industry.
“It’s an incredible honour, I can’t quiet believe it to be honest,” Pearce said the honour.
“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.”
Alongside her role as Eagles coach, Pearce also provides insightful and expert commentary in her role with Seven.
West Coast head of football Michelle Cowan said Pearce had helped shape the women’s game.
“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.”
Pearce and Phillips were among eight people inducted on Tuesday night, while South Australian football icon Ken Farmer was elevated to Legend status.
Phillips, a former Adelaide and Port Adelaide superstar in the AFLW, joins her dad Greg in the Hall of Fame, the first father-daughter combination to be inducted.
“To Dad, I can’t imagine how hard it would have been to tell your 13-year-old daughter that she couldn’t play the game she loves any more,” she said. “And 27 years later, she’s standing next to you in the Hall of Fame.”
St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt and Hawthorn premiership captain Luke Hodge, both former No.1 picks and a part of the Seven line-up, were also inducted alongside Melbourne great Garry Lyon.
East Perth legend George Owens, who won the WAFL’s Sandover Medal in 1925, was posthumously honoured. He passed away in 1986, with his grandson Terry accepting his certificate on his behalf.
South Adelaide legend Peter Darley and Tasmanian footballing great John Leedman were also added.
