West Coast coach Daisy Pearce has launched a playful dig at Melbourne as she prepares to front up against the club she captained to AFLW premiership glory.
Pearce led the Demons to the 2022 flag during her decorated playing career.
Her success has continued into the coaching realm, with Pearce guiding West Coast to a club-best four wins last year.
The Eagles have posted three victories from five matches this season to sit in seventh place on the ladder.
Pearce did not have the chance to coach against Melbourne last year but is relishing her opportunity on Sunday when the Eagles travel to Casey Fields.
Second-placed Melbourne, which has a 4-1 win-loss record, is still considered a flag favourite, despite a shock two-point loss to Port Adelaide last week.
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The Demons have built a reputation for being perennial flag contenders, while the Eagles are considered a rising power under Pearce’s leadership.
Eagles forward Ella Roberts said having Pearce on board meant West Coast would know some of Melbourne’s “secrets” heading into Sunday’s match.
Pearce could not help herself when asked about what those secrets were on Friday.
“[The Demons] play a bit like us for some reason. I think they’re copying,” Pearce joked.
But Pearce said the Demons would pose a “really good challenge” for her squad.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who respects (Demons coach) Mick [Stinear] and (captain) Kate [Hore] and their team more than me, having been able to see them up close,” she said.
“But one of the biggest things that both Mick and I, and Kate and I bonded over was our competitiveness and our will to win, so that will be no different when we face each other on the weekend.”
Pearce has brought a winning mentality to the Eagles.Â
She said she wanted her team to embrace the challenge of taking on a heavyweight such as the Demons.
AAP