Media Street: Channel 7 address Daisy Pearce changeroom ban

Brisbane have joined Richmond in banning Daisy Pearce from their changerooms. Channel 7 think a change at the Cattery might be why.

Daisy Pearce is now part of the Geelong coaching staff

Channel Seven will speak to Daisy Pearce this week about the backlash from clubs who have banned her from their changerooms.

Brisbane is the second club to inform the broadcaster they won’t be giving Pearce access ahead of Thursday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Pearce is juggling dual roles as an expert commentator and being an assistant coach at Geelong which is why rival clubs have their backs up.

Seven’s managing director Lewis Martin said the network respects the decisions by the clubs.

“My view was that we’d roll along with the season and as Daisy’s role at Geelong has become a bit more clear, then obviously there were going to be some clubs to respond to that,” Martin said.

“We’ll respect that and have a chat with Daisy this week. Without dismissing it, because it’s a football issue, it’s not really critical for us.

“We’ll respect various clubs. Some clubs may be different, some clubs talked to us about it (in the) pre-season, it wasn’t an issue at all.

Daisy Pearce has been banned from two club changerooms after matches

“But I think what happens . . . once that first ball is bounced, when you’re dealing with clubs (in) pre-season compared to when the season is on, they become different beasts and we appreciate that, it’s a highly, highly competitive competition.

“Again it’s not something we would force upon a club . . . because we’ve got so many options and Daisy’s insight on our broadcast is so valued, it’s not critical that she’s in the rooms, I guess.”

Pearce, who won a premiership with Melbourne in the AFLW in her final game, moved to Geelong in the pre-season to be a part of Chris Scott’s team.

Martin said he believes Pearce’s role had increased with the sticking point being her involvement with the Cats on match day.

“I think it’s about the match day role,” Martin told SEN.

“I don’t know by the way, I’m only guessing, Hock (Steve Hocking, Geelong CEO) and I spoke about this regularly in the pre-season as to how her role would evolve.

“But I think when you spend time with Daisy, I think you’re understanding of her knowledge and insight into the game, it becomes quite apparent.

“I could be wrong, but I think perhaps her role at Geelong has even evolved deeper as she’s spent more time there.”

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

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

“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 said.

“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.”

Carlton and the Western Bulldogs are believed to not have any issues with Pearce entering their changerooms.