North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos premiership captain Emma Kearney has penned the following letter to members and fans:
After having the great honour of leading this group since our inception into the AFLW competition in 2019, I’ve made the decision to step down as captain ahead of this season.
It’s been quite a journey, so this decision is one I’ve given time and deep thought to.
Now that I’m in the twilight years of my footy career, I feel the time is right for both me and the team if I step aside and allow some new voices to lead the group moving forward.
I let my teammates know of my decision over the weekend, and as I have been writing this letter over the past few days, it’s filled me with so many emotions, but above all, an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude.
Leading this team has truly been one of the proudest achievements of my life. To have been given the opportunity to help build something from the ground up, to guide such a talented group of players, and to have last year, stood on the dais and lifted that premiership cup alongside Crock, has been an absolute privilege.
When I reflect on my time in the captaincy role, I think about how much it’s allowed me to grow as a leader, as a player and as a person. I’ve worked really hard on my leadership capabilities, and don’t get me wrong, I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way but I’m just proud of the way I’ve been able to lead the team over the journey.
None of this would have been possible without the support from an incredible network of people, from my teammates to the coaches and staff along with our members and fans.
To my teammates, thank you. We've shared so many unforgettable moments, battled through tough times, and celebrated incredible victories, and I'm excited for all that's still to come.
To the coaches and support staff who have guided me in my time as captain, your trust and belief have been unwavering. I'm so grateful for your commitment to making us better players and people, and I look forward to continuing that journey with you all.
To the North Melbourne faithful who have been with me every step of the way, from the lows to the ultimate highs of winning a premiership: your passion and support is the heartbeat of this club. I’ve felt that every time I’ve taken to the field.
I leave this role with immense confidence in the future of our team. I know whoever takes the reins as the next captain will lead with the same drive, dedication, and commitment.
We have some exceptional leaders within this group, and I am looking forward to seeing them continue to flourish.
I know this move is in the best interests of our team, as we look to write the next chapter in our history and continue to grow and evolve.
I’m incredibly excited to continue playing alongside my teammates and to keep striving for success with all of you by our side. The best is yet to come.
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Emma Kearney has captained North Melbourne every season since the club's entry into the AFLW in 2019, establishing herself as one of the game's greatest leaders.
After a hamstring injury caused her to miss six games in 2024, Kearney bravely returned for the preliminary final win over Port Adelaide, then led the Kangaroos to a premiership the following week.
Since joining the club as Shinboner No.1 before North Melbourne’s first AFLW season, Kearney has played 67 games in the royal blue and white, earned six consecutive All-Australian blazers (in addition to two with the Western Bulldogs), finished as runner-up three times in the club’s best and fairest, and has been named Shinboner of the Year four times.
Kearney also continues her off-field work at the club, as a development coach for the men’s team.
She will remain a key part of the playing group in 2025, sharing her experience and leadership in a non-captaincy role.
