Amid all the uncertainty of what is about to happen, seeing the AFL women’s premiership cup was a potent reminder for Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce.
The cup was unveiled on Wednesday, two days before Carlton and Collingwood play for the first AFL women’s match for premiership points on Friday night at Ikon Park.
Pearce, one of the league’s marquee players, says there are plenty of unknowns about the inaugural competition.
She has confidence that the Demons will perform well, but said it is impossible to predict with any confidence.
The premiership cup, on the other hand, is something tangible.
“For us as players, seeing that premiership cup, I guess it just really focusses you on what this is all about,” Pearce said.
“As competitive players, as we all are, essentially it’s about playing good footy and hopefully having success as a team.
“There’s certainly a competitor in me – I wouldn’t be standing here if there wasn’t.”
As an established women’s star, Pearce is one of the pioneers of the new league.
But she sees herself as a player who has benefitted from a lot of work by others.
“Jan Cooper and Susan Alberti, Debbie Lee – you could keep naming names – but without them we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to ply our trade as players and make the steps that we have,” she said.
“I mean a lot of the players have played a part in it, but with that has come a lot of great opportunities, on and off the field.
“So I’m grateful for it, rather than feeling like I’m owed anything in return.
“The exciting thing is that come the weekend, there will be stars born in the right place – out there on the playing field.”
And out on the field this Sunday at Casey Fields, Pearce takes a big step into the unknown when she leads Melbourne out against Brisbane.
Pearce said the Western Bulldogs look a strong side, but it will depend on who gells quickest as a team.
“There’s no form or history to base any predictions on, it really is just a matter of trusting that you’ve done the work and trusting that the team is in a good place,” Pearce said.
“There will be a lot of working it out as you go.
“It’s too early for any real predictions.”
