AFLW 2025: West Coast coach Daisy Pearce backs Eagles system to shutdown Geelong’s forward power

West Coast coach Daisy Pearce says the Eagles will back their own system in but have a “couple of options” to counter Geelong key forward Aishling Moloney in Friday night’s AFLW clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

Irish sensation Moloney kicked six goals against the Eagles late in the 2024 season and two in the Cats win over GWS last weekend.

“We’ve got a couple of options,” Pearce said.

“We don’t want to pull apart the strengths of our backline. So depending on where she starts, we’ve got a couple of options up our sleeves.

“She’s an outstanding player. Plays with a lot of energy and flair and is a pretty incredible finisher for someone who only picked up the oval ball a couple of years ago.

“We’ll be wary of her and put some time into her, but we’re confident in a few options.”

The match pits together two quality midfields, Geelong led by Georgie Prespakis who is coming off a 23-disposal, two goal game against the Giants.

The Eagles have been given great service through their nine games from Ella Roberts as they sit in eighth spot and chase a maiden finals berth.

“(Geelong) had a really tough draw and played some quality sides and have got a pretty powerful midfield, who run really hard, and then an exciting forward line that can really challenge you as well,” Pearce said.

“They were challenged by the Giants for a period of time last week, which showed some opportunities to us, but we know we’re going to have to play four quarters, because they just kept coming and in the end, put them away with a pretty powerful finish.

“They’re pretty strong and creative with the way that they use it, and that gives their forwards a real opportunity to be dangerous. So we have to be mindful of that, but we have to see a way back through them as well.”

Pearce said the Eagles’ finals destiny was in their own hands.

“We feel like it’s in our control, which is a great start, and allows us to just focus back on what we’re trying to do,” she said.

The Crows had 20 more inside 50s than the Eagles last round and Pearce said they had addressed an 11-3 centre clearance disparity.

“Some of our contest work, and then our offensive decisions we’re really focusing in on over the next couple of weeks.

“We feel like if we get that right and keep improving, they’re quick learners. The results and where we land will take care of itself.

“We were minus eight at centre bounce, which hurts, especially against a good defensive team like Adelaide. If it’s living in your back half, it’s hard to penetrate back through.

“So, (we have put) a lot of work in there. And then I thought, yeah, some of our decisions on offence were a bit unpredictable as well, which a credit to Adelaide in the way they defended, but if we keep improving that, we’ll give ourselves better opportunities.”

Pearce said the team would take “a lot” out of the final quarter against Adelaide, when they outscored the home team three goals to one.

“We’re always proud of the way they never give up. That’s the type of team we want to be, that we believe we can come from anywhere, and that every quarter matters.

“If we’re talking about wanting to improve 20 minutes against Adelaide, what better opportunity?

“So I loved their mindset going into that and it showed us when our hunger around the contest is right, we can get the ball going our way, and then play to our strengths.

“It was good for our belief and some good progress and improvement that we can take into this week.”

Defender Lucy Boyd will make her AFLW debut in Friday night’s game after overcoming an ankle injury.

Secured with pick 53 in last year’s draft, the 172cm South Australian can play as an intercept defender, or be swung forward to provide an aerial presence.

“It feels like a long time coming but I’m just stoked and ready to run out with the girls on game day,” Boyd said.

“I found out while the media team were doing a TikTok, and Daisy broke the news during the filming of the TikTok which was cool.

“Mum was my first call, and the whole family will come over for the game, mum, grandma, siblings, whoever can make it over by Friday.”