MICK Stinear and Daisy Pearce.

There are few names within the football world that are more synonymous with Melbourne and its AFLW program.

The duo started their journey together at the Dees nearly 10 years ago, and this weekend, they’ll add another chapter in their decade-long story.

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After many moments shared at Melbourne’s home of Casey Fields, on Sunday, the two will reunite there, but this time, as opposition coaches.

Their story together started in 2016 - Pearce was the club’s inaugural AFLW signing while Stinear signed on as the club’s inaugural AFLW coach.  

Speaking to each other in a video piece following Pearce’s retirement in 2023, she reflected on her first impression of Stinear in the coaching interview process.

“When you interviewed for the job, my lasting memory was that I loved how you weren't grappling to get the answer right or to impress anyone,” Pearce said.

“You've just got that quiet and unassuming self-assuredness.”

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Mick and Daisy | One Last Time

Mick and Daisy chat through their memories over the years.

In 2017, a new milestone was made for Melbourne and the football world with the first AFLW season kicking off on Friday 3 February.

The Dees faced Brisbane in their opening game, Stinear leading the team as coach and Pearce leading as the inaugural AFLW captain, having already captained the Melbourne side during the 2013 – 2016 exhibition matches.

Pearce captained the side again in 2018, before missing the third AFLW season, giving birth to twins, Roy and Sylvie.

Looking back on this time, Stinear said it was one of his favourite memories while coaching her.

“It was when you told me that you were pregnant, and the excitement of that,” Stinear said.

It was pretty special, and then following that path with your capacity to come back and play, it's been quite extraordinary what you did in that first season back after having Roy and Sylvie.”

Pearce returned to the club five months after giving birth to get stuck back into training, ready for the next season at the beginning of 2020.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2022 and the Pearce and Stinear duo had well and truly made their mark in the industry, taking Melbourne to its first AFLW grand final berth. 

While the season six premiership wasn’t meant to be, it wasn’t long before the two led the Dees to premiership glory.

After seven seasons of AFLW, Stinear and Pearce held up Melbourne’s maiden premiership cup on Sunday 27 November, the Dees defeating the Lions by four points at Brighton Homes Arena.

"We seemed to strike the right balance with just enjoying the moment and playing for each other, and Daisy led the way with that,” Stinear said following the premiership win.

“She brought out a lot of fulfilment and enjoyment that led us to [the premiership] today.”

This level of praise was reciprocated, Pearce expressing her pride in standing next to Stinear with the cup in-hand.

"I’m just rapt that we got it done for someone like [Stinear]," Pearce said.

"I'm just so grateful that since they started the competition, in my elite sporting career, that I've had this guy leading us. Not just because he makes you want to be the best footballer and person you can be but it's just such an incredible environment." 

Two months after the premiership, Pearce announced her retirement, Stinear by her side as she told the football world.

She finished her playing career with numerous accolades and a legacy that Stinear continues to build upon still to this day.

Looking back on such a history – it’s no secret the bond these two share is special.

It’s spanned 10 AFLW seasons, their journeys running parallel alongside one another.

At every achievement, every milestone, whether that be starting a family or winning a premiership, they’ve been in one another’s corner, championing with the type of pride that comes with a relationship built on respect.

“You inspire,” Stinear said to Pearce following her retirement.

I think the thing that people love about you most is that you're human and you embrace your flaws and celebrate other people's imperfections.

“You're just a great person, and people can be themselves around you.”

Speaking on Stinear’s impact throughout her playing career, Pearce celebrated his capacity to create the perfect balance within a football environment.

“It’s your ability to command respect, no matter how close I've felt to you, it's never compromised your ability to keep me on edge, it’s made me not want to let you down,” Pearce said.

“I appreciate your creativity, and your sense of fun, it’s something that leaves a huge mark on people.”

Pearce is now leading West Coast in the role of senior coach, and Sunday will see the Dees and Eagles go head-to-head for the first time since her appointment in 2023.

The game will see Stinear and Pearce’s journey enter a new season and it’ll no doubt be one with just as much respect and competitiveness as seasons gone by.

"I just feel so grateful that nothing changed since I took the [West Coast] job. I'm sure that when we play against each other we'll both want to win,” Pearce said.

One of the main things we bonded over was our competitiveness and will to win, so I expect nothing less than for him to want to do a real number on us when we play.”