Relieved Pearce becomes AFLW flag winner

Daisy Pearce will enjoy the spoils of Melbourne's first AFLW premiership before the veteran women's football pioneer makes a call on her playing future.

DAISY PEARCE.
DAISY PEARCE. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Daisy Pearce was already many things, now the women's football pioneer is Melbourne's first AFLW premiership captain.

An inaugural marquee star back in 2017, Pearce was beaming after leading the Demons to a historic grand final win against the Brisbane Lions.

Just like in Melbourne's last grand final against Adelaide in April, Pearce's partner Ben and their twins Sylvie and Roy were with her.

Only this time, the result went the Demons' way as they spoiled the Lions' house-warming of their new facility at Michael Voss Oval in Springfield.

"It's crazy what they (the twins) remember. They kept saying, 'I hope you're not the team that's sitting on the ground disappointed'," Pearce said.

"That was what Sylvie said to me, and that was her lasting memory from Adelaide Oval earlier in the year.

"I'm so glad that in one year of their life, while they've been so young, we've shown them how to lose well, how to get back on the horse and just try and get better.

"I just thank them for their sacrifice and letting me go to training, and go after what I've wanted and what makes me happy."

The 34-year-old became emotional when talking about coach Mick Stinear's influence on Melbourne.

Along with Lions counterpart Craig Starcevich, Stinear is the only coach left from the first season of AFLW almost six years ago.

"He makes you want to be the best footballer and person you can be, but he just sets such an incredible environment," Pearce said.

"It's just such a joy to come to work because every single season I've turned up thinking we can win this thing."

Pearce has carried a significant burden as the face of Melbourne and the AFLW.

Arguably the biggest storyline leading into Sunday's grand final was if Pearce could finally win the flag that had eluded her.

"I didn't feel a single bit of pressure because I hadn't thought about myself for a second. I was just wanting to get the job done for Mick," Pearce said.

Pearce is expected to retire and continue her burgeoning media career, with a coaching job at Geelong also waiting for her when she ends her playing days.

She will enjoy the spoils of victory before making a call on her future but Stinear hopes she can continue.

"Why wouldn't you want this wonderful human and fantastic footballer as part of your team for as long as you can?" Stinear said.

"I'll definitely have a spot for as long as she wants to keep playing."