Lauren Pearce claims Lambert-Pearce Medal as VFLW best-and-fairest

Lauren Pearce revealed she could hardly kick a football when she first lobbed at Darebin training, fast forward and she is one of the country’s dominant rucks and 2019 Lambert-Pearce Medallist.

Lauren Pearce in action for Darebin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Lauren Pearce’s decision to return to her original VFLW club, Darebin Falcons, paid off in spades as she was crowed the 2019 Lambert-Pearce Medallist on Monday night.

The Melbourne AFLW ruck could have suited up for Casey Demons but believed a return to A.H Capp Reserve was best for her development.

The result? A dominant season in the midfield for the Falcons and the club’s third VFLW league best-and-fairest following the footsteps of Daisy Pearce (2016) and Katie Brennan (2017).

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“I did not expect it at all,” a stunned Pearce said after receiving her medal from former Darebin and current Melbourne teammate, Pearce

“I think I had a decent enough season … there were other girls that stood out a lot of the time and I’m just grateful to be recognised.”

Despite playing just 10 games, Pearce claimed the medal with 18 votes, ahead of Richmond’s Monique Conti (16) and Essendon’s Cecilia McIntosh (14).

Lauren Pearce wins the tap over Rene Caris. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lauren Pearce in action for Darebin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Falcons star polled in seven matches, earning maximum votes five times as well as one two-vote game and one one-vote game.

Pearce averaged the most hitouts in the competition with 33 per game to go with 19 disposals and three tackles.

Earlier in the night, Pearce was also named ruck and captain of the VFLW Team of the Year

Coming from a basketball background, Pearce revealed she couldn’t even kick the ball when she first arrived at Darebin.

But the Falcons’ development and family environment produced one of the best rucks in the AFLW.

“I think every single player has family involvement,” she said.

“My family has always been asked to do umpire escort, my mum walks out every single game.

Lauren Pearce battles Emma King in the AFLW.

“That’s more special and I think you appreciate the game more when you’ve got that involvement. You can’t take that for granted.”

In accepting the award, Pearce thanked Melbourne for allowing her to return to Darebin.

“They understood where I was at and where I wanted to be, being back with the girls that I first started with,” she said.

“The season prior I thought I had a decent season and I thought if I can do that, what could I do the next season.

“I’m very happy they agreed with how I felt and I suppose the results came, as much as I didn’t expect it.”

Southern Saints young gun Olivia Vesely was named the Debbie Lee VFLW Rising Star, while Jamiee Lambert took home the Rohenna Young Medal as the competition’s leading goalkicker.

Western Bulldogs and Diamond Creek stalwart Caroline Kilmartin was recognised for her work with the Ann Rulton Award.

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