Alex Pearce might be pitching in as a game-day coach for Fremantle’s reserves, but the Freo leader has more reasons behind this new role than any post-career ambitions.
Pearce is well and truly focused on the here and now, a frustrating position to be in after not playing a game since round 11, 2019 due to his ankle injury.
To Pearce, it’s about making himself a better player when he does return, and bringing on those around him.
This includes working closely with developing tall defenders Hugh Dixon and Tobe Watson.
“If I was a betting man, I would say I wouldn’t go into coaching after my career, but you never know,” Pearce said.
“I do enjoy it on game day and particularly working with the young guys and helping them learn and grow.
“It’s also good for my experience and skills. I watch the game a bit differently so hopefully, now I can start to see things a bit different when I return to play.
“I always feel like I try to be a bit of a coach out on the field and pick up on what’s going on and what trends are happening in the game.
“It can have a bit of an impact on me as a player as well, just about learning a bit more about the game.”
Pearce also has a minor role on AFL game days, acting as an extra set of eyes with the hope of finding a small edge for Freo’s backs.
“For the past few weeks I’ve been helping Mick Prior, the defensive coach,” Pearce said.
“It’s from when the players arrive, chatting to guys about their plan in the lead up to the game - being around to help a little bit with the warm-up.
“When the game starts, I sit in a separate box with a few of the emergencies and watch the game.
“At quarter time and three quarter time I’m out in the huddle and half time in the rooms. Just taking a couple of notes on particular players, looking a lot at Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan, about what they’re doing.
“If I’ve got any pointers for them at any stage…it’s often not too much but if it’s a little bit here and there I can help with.”
Pearce said you need to watch the game a bit differently when in a coaching role.
“You can get caught in following the ball instead of what’s going on, so I have to try and keep my eyes on the defence and watch what they’re doing, in particular the couple of players that I’m trying to watch a bit more of,” Pearce said.
“A lot of work they do is when the ball is nowhere near them, so that’s a part of it, trying to stay on task that way.”
