Life, the universe and the AFL Women’s comp
By Sonya Voumard
Star-struck young girls and boys were among an enthusiastic crowd of Melbourne Football Club fans who came to see Daisy Pearce talk about life, the universe and the AFL Women’s Comp last Thursday night at the Pullman Quay Grand on Sydney Harbour. Despite the classic Sydney views visible from the hotel reception room’s windows, all eyes were on Daisy as the iconic Sydney ferries sailed by ignored.
Autographs were signed and some very junior hands shaken before the humble, generous and self-possessed Melbourne Football Club’s women’s comp captain told the audience of her love for AFL as a kid growing up in the Victorian country town of Bright. Disappointment followed when she reached an age where she could no longer play in games with the boys.
The older Melbourne-born women among us sighed in recognition and regret, remembering the 1970s when girls who dared bring their Sherrin to primary school had it confiscated until the end of the day with that infuriating headmaster’s refrain: “Football’s too dangerous for girls.”
Fielding questions from magazine editor Jackie Frank and later from an engaged and responsive audience, Daisy spoke of the contrast between the more DIY-style women’s AFL – where you strap up your own ankles and even clear rubbish from the ground before you play – and the newly established professional AFL Women’s comp where physios and other assistance are all on hand.
But before we get too pleased with the progress of women’s AFL, let’s remember that unlike her AFL competition-playing male counterparts for whom it’s a full-time gig, Daisy still has a day job.
She works as a midwife at Melbourne’s Box Hill hospital, something she says she also loves and that keeps her grounded. So there’s still a fair distance to go. But to quote an old advertisement: “You’ve come a long way baby.”
Sponsoring Daisy Pearce and James Harmes
And we are delighted to be sponsoring the Melbourne captain, marquee player in the AFL Women’s competition and most decorated player in the game. For only $50 you can join us in this unique opportunity to sponsor Daisy. It’s our chance to be part of AFL Women’s history and when you watch the women play you’ll know you are part of something very special.
We are also sponsoring James Harmes who played 19 games in 2016, capping a big turnaround in his career, and look forward to watching James continue to develop in 2017.
Sponsoring players is a way to connect with them and contribute essential $$ for equipment and training for the teams. The sponsorship for Daisy and James will cost a total of $4390. When you buy your $50 share in the sponsorship you will not only be supporting Daisy and James, the Melbourne Women’s team and the Melbourne Football Club but also be in the draw for one of these great prizes:
- Two tickets to the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy Awards Dinner
- One night stay with breakfast in Accor Hotel in Melbourne CBD
- Two invitations to attend an exclusive Barbeque with the 2017 MFC Squad
- 2017 Women’s Guernsey signed by Daisy
- 2017 Women’s Team Poster signed by Daisy
- 2017 match worn jumper signed by James Harmes
- 2017 MFC Squad poster signed by James
- Two Women’s Team Membership Scarves
- Two invitations to attend an exclusive MCG and AAMI Park Tour, guided by RusselI Robertson
- Preferential selection for one child to go into the MFC Guard of Honor at the MCG
Every share entitles you to one entry in the draw for the prizes.
Tags:
The Dees are coming to town – meet Daisy Pearce
The Melbourne AFL Women’s team is coming to Sydney to play GWS this Friday night. A win over GWS will keep us in contention for the Grand Final.
And we have a special opportunity to meet and hear from the Captain, Daisy Pearce in Sydney this Thursday.
Don’t miss out. Book now to meet Daisy at our NSW Demons evening in Sydney.
Thursday, 2nd March 2017 – 6.30 to 8.30 pm
Pullman Quay Grand, 61 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay Sydney
Cost: $60.00 (Canapes and drinks inclusive)
$30 – under 18 $20 – under 12
Tags:
Who is the greatest of them all?
Gary Ablett? Leigh Matthews? Patrick Dangerfield?
None of them hold a candle to the career of Daisy Pearce, the most decorated female footballer of all time.
Don’t miss out. Book now to meet Daisy at our special NSW Demons evening in Sydney.
Thursday, 2nd March 2017 – 6.30 to 8.30 pm
Pullman Quay Grand, 61 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay Sydney
Tags:
Win a ticket to Melbourne’s season launch
Join us in sponsoring Daisy and James and you will be in the running to win an invitation to sit with Daisy Pearce at the the Official MFC Season Launch Event on Wednesday 1st March.
Purchase your share now to be in the draw to attend the season launch with the 2017 Men’s and Women’s Teams and hear from Senior coach Simon Goodwin.
For only $50 you can join us in this unique opportunity to sponsor Daisy and James. Full details here.
Join the sponsorship now!
An evening with Daisy Pearce
Join us for an “Evening with Daisy Pearce” on Thursday March 2nd in Sydney before the GWS game on the Friday.
There is limited capacity so it is essential that you book early to guarantee your seat. Bookings close on 28 February.
Thursday, 2nd March 2017 – 6.30 to 8.30 pm
Pullman Quay Grand, 61 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay Sydney
Melbourne v Collingwood AFLW Match Review
By Grandpa Gawny (The Roaming Gnome)
Well, that really was worth the trip over the Ditch!!
Watching the match live to air, coldie in hand, in the comfort of the lounge room at Coffs Harbour with Merlin and Sugar, what more could a chap ask for?? Well, something less than 40 degrees C would have helped!
The W-Dees were proudly led out by “Drives Herself” (Daisy Pearce) and didn’t the girls look up and about!! With “Aunty Reg” (Mel Hickey) sporting a nice little shiner, the girls looked like right little warriors.
Listen up – The Outer Sanctum Podcast
Try this podcast for a refreshing discussion of footy – the Outer Sanctum, six women talking Aussie Rules Football. Emma Race, Nicole Hayes, Alicia Sometimes, Kate Seear, Lucy Race and Felicity Race. Check out episode one when the team chats with Daisy Pearce.
Go Melbourne!
Sally
Tags:
You are invited to an evening with Daisy Pearce Captain of the Melbourne AFL Women’s Team
The Melbourne Football Club and NSW Demons Supporters Group in conjunction with Women’s Health, present an evening with Daisy Pearce, Melbourne captain and marquee player in the AFL Women’s competition.
We are delighted to have Jackie Frank, General Manager Fashion & Health at Pacific Magazines, lead a Q&A session with Daisy. Daisy will discuss her experience as a woman in sport and her pathway from backyard footy to a Captain in the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s League.
Thursday, 2nd March 2017 – 6.30 to 8.30 pm
Pullman Quay Grand, 61 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay Sydney
Tags:
Follow us on twitter
Join our facebook group