LIBBY Birch and Daisy Pearce have a connection that extends far beyond the red and blue.

The new teammates first came into contact with each other when Pearce attempted to poach the former netball star.

Now, three years later, Pearce can confidently say that text message was a success.

Birch is the newest Melbourne recruit, and with a premiership under her belt at the Bulldogs, she’ll be a valuable asset for the Dees next season.

But her career wouldn’t have started if it wasn’t for Pearce, as the Demons star introduced her to the sporting code.

Pearce drove Birch to her first training session and gifted her some football boots – a flashy orange pair – that she has kept to this day.

The duo played side-by-side for Darebin before becoming rivals in the AFLW, but throughout the journey, their bond has never faltered.

Watch Birch and Pearce reminisce on the good times in this week’s edition of Access Melbourne.