The 22-year-old was one of the surprise packets last year, resurrecting his ailing career after being handed a lifeline by then-new senior coach Ross Lyon.
He cemented himself as a valued contributor to the team, averaging almost 20 possessions per game over 24 appearances, a significant rise from the 12 touches he had averaged in his three previous seasons.
Pearce played mainly on the wings as an outside midfielder last year, but he hoped to evolve into a more versatile on-baller in 2013.
“I’ve been working really closely with (stoppages coach) Mark Stone and (assistant coach) Brett Kirk on my inside work at the centresquare,” he said.
“I’ve been playing that role a little bit more this pre-season.”
Kirk, who joined the club last November after a decorated playing career at Sydney, has been a wealth of information for Pearce.
The Swans’ premiership captain is reputed as one of the most uncompromising and resilient inside midfielders to have ever played the game.
“At the Swans he was a tagger and his inside work was great,” Pearce said.
“He’s been helping me with body positioning, the way I use my body at stoppages.”
It’s wasn’t just football that Pearce has sought guidance on from Kirk, who follows many Buddhist beliefs.
“It’s the way he prepares… the things away from the footy club, that balance of football and life outside of football,” Pearce said.
“Brett’s been great with that.”
