The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have signed VFLW defender Tessa Boyd as a replacement player for the upcoming AFLW season.

Boyd's opportunity comes after Kangaroos forward Niamh Martin was placed on the club's inactive list for 2025, following her decision to stay in Ireland and complete the final year of her university course.

Hailing from Tipperary, Martin joined the Kangaroos ahead of the 2023 season.

The 23-year-old has since played 16 games in the royal blue and white, including nine in 2024, impressing with her speed and ability to take the game forward.

"While we are disappointed to lose Niamh for the upcoming season, we support her decision to focus on her studies," North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said.

"Niamh made some great strides in her development during her second AFLW season last year, and we expect her to remain committed and return to our program for the 2026 season well-prepared.

"We will support her as much as we can while she remains in Ireland this year and we look forward to welcoming her back next year when she has completed her studies."

Boyd has been elevated from the Kangaroos' VFLW program, which she joined this year after 30 games across three seasons with the Southern Saints.

At the Saints - now known as the Sandringham Zebras - the 27-year-old established herself as one of the best rebounding defenders in the competition, rewarded with inclusion in the VFLW Team of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

The sister of Western Bulldogs AFL premiership player Tom Boyd, she also spent a year in the Bulldogs' AFLW program in 2019.

"Tessa stood out to us during her time at the Saints and her first few games for our VFLW team with her ability to read the game and make good decisions with her disposal," Lorenzini said.

"We believe her attributes will also fit our defensive system well and she will be highly driven with great leadership off-field.

"We're excited to give her another opportunity at AFLW level and welcome her into our program."

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos return to begin their pre-season on Monday, May 12.