AFLW legend Daisy Pearce announces retirement

The football community has been left in tears after an icon of the game announced an emotional exit from the game.

Melbourne captain and trailblazer Daisy Pearce has announced she will hang up the boots after 55 AFLW games and a fairytale premiership win.

An emotional Pearce fronted the media alongside Melbourne coach Mick Stinear on Wednesday morning to announce her retirement, thanking Stinear, her teammates and club staff.

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Pearce helped lead the Demons to their first AFLW premiership, putting the cherry on top of her phenomenal career.

She walks away from the game after making three All-Australian teams, winning four best captain awards and three club best and fairests.

The 34-year-old captured 10 premierships and six league best and fairests at Darebin before the AFLW competition commenced.

An emotional Pearce confirmed the news of her retirement to the media as she fought back tears.

“I wasn’t aware that I’ d actually have to announce it myself ... I’ll be making my retirement,” she said.

“Winning the flag last season almost made the decision harder as footy for me was never about the big moments or the trophies. Footy was about my team, the relationships, the environment and the little everyday moments that come with being part of a footy club. That is what I love and will miss the most.

“Footy has been a huge part of my life, forever really, but in terms of senior footy, it’s almost twenty years. It has played a big part in shaping who I am.

“In many ways, not playing anymore feels like I am giving up a part of me, my identity, but the end comes for everyone, and I just feel so lucky to have had the long, fulfilling career I’ve had and so many wonderful memories.

Daisy Pearce and her twins Sylvie and Roy

“I want to thank the Melbourne Football Club for everything they have done for me over the last decade. The players, coaches, club staff, volunteers and most importantly our passionate supporters who have been there for the journey.

“As a young girl, I dreamed of having an opportunity to play professional footy. It was a dream that didn’t seem possible. So, to have pulled on the red and blue Melbourne jumper and to have been a part of our first AFLW premiership in the first season where every AFL club had a women’s team representing it, and to know that this competition is only getting bigger and better, is something I cherish.

“I am proud of how much women’s footy has grown, privileged to have been involved in an era where we can appreciate where it’s come from and so excited that every young kid can now dream of a future in our sport.

“Closing the chapter on my playing career with a very full heart, not just because we ticked the premiership box in the season just gone, but because of a career I’ve loved and cherished.

“I feel like it’s the right decision and it probably mostly came down to this feeling of contentedness inside of me which is new as a football player.

Daisy is walking away. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Pearce has become a star behind the microphone at Channel 7 and her post football career will also include coaching after securing a role with the Geelong Cats.

“That chapter of my life is a full one and I’ll take away some amazing relationships and I have a real excitement and optimism about what’s next,” she said.

Her retirement announcement left football fans across the country heartbroken and praising Pearce for everything she had done for the game.

Thank you, Daisy. For everything. Could honestly never stop writing about your contribution to the game and women's footy in Aus❤️

— Marnie Vinall (@marnievinall) January 18, 2023

It's official ... Daisy is retiring.
She says she retires with a full heart. 🥰@aflwomens

— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) January 17, 2023

Daisy Pearce did some amazing leg work in lifting the profile of women's footy in the community. Broke through (deservedly) be become one of the best colour analysts in the game (men or women). She came back from having fucken kids and won a flag!

What a career! What a legend.

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) January 17, 2023

To the one + only Daisy Pearce, thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DOkjp52Tez

— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) January 18, 2023

- with Ed Bourke, NCA Newswire