Richmond has defended its decision to bar AFLW icon Daisy Pearce from entering its change rooms as part of Seven’s coverage of last week’s clash against Carlton.
Pearce has been on Seven’s stable of callers for the past few years and in the off-season added a Geelong assistant coaching role to her duties. She will perform that role alongside her broadcasting work after retiring from the game in January.
While Carlton reportedly had no issues with Pearce being in their rooms, Richmond senior advisor Neil Balme explained why they didn’t want the Cats staffer inside their own rooms.
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“It probably seems a bit unkind,” Balme told SEN Afternoons.
“But it’s just a thing that you don’t really want assistant coaches from other clubs hanging around rooms after games to see what they can find out.
“I know I’d trust her to the point that it’s not what she is there for.
“But you can’t do both jobs, so I think it’s reasonable of us to say that.
“It’s certainly not personal.”
Pearce has become an extremely popular commentator due to her excellent understanding of the game, and Balme said barring her was a nod to her football nous.
“It is (is a sign of respect),” he said.
“She could figure something out, she’s got a lovely footy mind.
“Geelong are really lucky to have her but to be able to do both jobs is a bit difficult at times.”
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