SNAPSHOT: "A strong key defender who can also play through the ruck and produced an ultra-consistent season as a stopper."

STRENGTHS:

+ Defensive accountability
+ Strength
+ One-on-ones
+ Reading the play
+ Defensive craft

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Athleticism
- Speed

PROFILE:

One of a number of players who enjoyed a really strong and consistent season, Pearce produced such impressive efforts as a lockdown defender that she earned a spot in Vic Country's side. Playing all three games for the 'Big V' in a similar role, Pearce offers terrific one-on-one ability, strength and a defensive accountability that is a throwback to traditional defending.

However Pearce is not simply a stopper, she can come off her opponent and intercept, or use her body to assist in bringing the ball to ground for teammates to swoop in and clear. The Bendigo Pioneers tall is clever at reading the play and understanding when to stick to her opponent and when she can impact a contest by peeling off and going third-up to assist another defender.

Pearce opened up her versatility further over the past two seasons, spending more time in the ruck where she averaged 12.7 and 8.7 hitouts per game respectively. While admittedly her endurance and athletic traits are clear deficiencies in her game, she plays to her strengths within her role and offers a strong key defensive option.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS: