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0 Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes has urged AFLW icon Daisy Pearce to choose between coaching and commentary, saying she has the ability to be great at either role, just not simultaneously.
Pearce’s role as both an expert commentator on Seven’s AFL coverage and as an assistant coach under Chris Scott at Geelong has resulted in multiple clubs banning her from entering their rooms.
While Richmond and Brisbane have received criticism from around the league for their bold stance, Cornes called both teams’ decisions “fair”.
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“The Melbourne AFLW premiership captain is capable of becoming the AFL’s first female senior coach at some point down the line,” he wrote in a column for The Age.
“Pearce’s natural charisma, leadership qualities, exceptional communication skills and strategic mind put her in pole position to shatter the game’s historic gender barriers.
“To achieve this, she has no option but to give up her role in the media.”
Cornes said Pearce is “in a league of her own” being the only full-time assistant coach who is also currently a broadcaster, pointing out that Collingwood assistant Justin Leppitsch had given up the mic since joining Craig McRae’s staff last season.
The four-time Port best and fairest winner also suggested that Pearce had struggled to criticise players and coaches while in her dual role.
“To do the job properly as an expert commentator, it is vital to analyse teams and players critically,” he wrote.
“While Seven’s coverage always leans to the positive, viewers expect the commentators to call out mistakes, questionable coaching tactics and poor efforts from players.
“Understandably, Pearce appears reluctant to do this.
“Viewers expect the commentators to offer unbiased opinions and insights that add to the broadcast and enhance the experience.
“Geelong have started the season poorly, with two losses. Would Pearce criticise her boss Chris Scott should the topic come up during Seven’s broadcast?”
Despite the widespread commentary surrounding her two jobs, there is no indication that Pearce will be forced to give up either her role with Seven or her coaching role with Geelong.
Pearce will be in the box alongside Chris Scott once again this weekend when the Cats face the Suns in the Gold Coast.
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