Media Street: Daisy Pearce banned from Brisbane’s rooms

Daisy Pearce’s dual roles as commentator and Geelong assistant coach have clashed again, but what is the reasoning given by clubs for banning her from their changerooms?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 23: Daisy Pearce of the Cats looks on during the 2023 AFL Round 02 match between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 23, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane is the latest club to ban AFLW champion Daisy Pearce from their changerooms.

Pearce is part of Channel 7’s Thursday night commentary team but she also works as an assistant coach at Geelong which is the sticking point.

Richmond refused Pearce entry to their rooms for the season opener against Carlton.

The Lions have taken the same stance for this Thursday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Channel 7 like to regularly put their on-air talent in the rooms either before games or afterwards.

The Bulldogs didn’t have an issue with Pearce being in the rooms, nor did Carlton in round 1.

Richmond adviser Neil Balme said the Tigers thought it was inappropriate for an opposition club’s coach to be given access to their inner sanctum.

Pearce was previously stopped from entering Richmond’s rooms in Round 1. Pic: Michael Klein

“It probably seems a bit unkind but … you don’t really want assistant coaches from other clubs hanging around your rooms after the game to see what they can find out,” he told SEN.

“I trust her to the point that that’s not what she’s there for, but you can’t do both jobs. I think it’s reasonable of us to say that. It’s certainly not personal.”

Balme labelled it a “sign of respect” that Geelong had offered Pearce an assistant coaching role, but expressed doubts that she could perform both roles properly.

“She could figure something out, she’s got a lovely footy mind and Geelong are very lucky to have her,” he added. “But to be able to do both jobs is a bit difficult sometimes.”

The Melbourne premiership player had already made adjustments to her media career to cater for her new coaching arrangements in Chris Scott’s team.

She has stepped aside from the Friday night Seven team, instead moving to Thursday nights. Pearce had been promoted to the prime time seat after Wayne Carey was moved on last year.