Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce says injury woes will galvanise Demons playing group
Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce says the club’s mounting injury list will help build resilience among its playing group as she prepares to play her first AFLW game since giving birth to twins.
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne will use its injury woes in an effort to “steel” its players as the foundation club prepares for its fourth tilt at AFL Women’s, returning skipper Daisy Pearce says.
Key midfielder Lily Mithen is the latest blow for the Demons – who are already down three players due to ACL injuries and work commitments, plus other short-term injuries – after she was felled with a syndesmosis injury to her ankle in a practice match.
She remains in a moon boot and on crutches but is eyeing a Round 4 return.
MORE AFLW NEWS:
Juggling football and work the biggest issue for AFLW players
AFLW clubs sign training top-ups to deal with injuries on eve of Round 1
Melbourne on Tuesday added two players as “train ons” who can play if the list availability drops below 23, but Pearce is refusing to get bogged down by the woes.
“We can’t worry about the actual machinations of how and how many and all that sort of thing,” she said.
“Obviously (list sizes) will be something that’s reviewed moving forward.
“We just have to try and use it to kind of steel us.”
Pearce – who gave birth to twins last February – will return to playing this Saturday after missing last season.