Daniel Pearce
Guernsey number: 20
2013 VFL games: 19
Career AFL games: 5
2013 VFL Goals: 4
Career AFL goals: 0
 

Season in short:

Having played five matches in his debut 2012 season, Pearce spent 2013 with Williamstown. In 19 matches for the Seagulls, the small utility showed encouraging signs of development. The extended run at VFL level allowed him to spend more game time on the wing and occasionally push forward, after initially being groomed in defence.  A 30 disposal game against Frankston should bolster Pearce’s confidence in searching for more opportunities with the Bulldogs in 2014.

Stat that mattered:

A relatively uninterrupted season saw Pearce play 20 games in the VFL this year – with just one of those in the development league. The boost in exposure to regular games will help his development in the long run.

What they said:

“Pearcey played one of his best games for us this year. He played in a variety of roles, rotating between mid and back. He carried the ball a lot better this week and made some really good decisions with the ball. He defended well and tackled well, so it was a really well rounded game for him this week.”

- Development Coach Peter German after round 15 in the VFL

Pre-season focus:

The 20-year-old will be eager to stake his claim on a more regular senior berth next year so a solid showing throughout the pre-season is pivotal. Working on his endurance and running capacity will continue to be a focus. Pearce showed signs at both ends of the ground as well as on the wing in the VFL this season, so he is likely to continue to hone both his forward and defensive craft over the summer.