North Melbourne assistant coaches Leigh Adams and Emma Kearney will step away from their roles at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Adams will seek coaching opportunities elsewhere after a six-year coaching stint at the club, while Kearney will move away from her AFL development coaching role to focus on her playing career with North Melbourne’s AFLW team.
A veteran of 104 AFL games across nine seasons for the Kangaroos, Adams first returned to the club in a coaching capacity in 2020. He has been a pivotal part of the coaching group, and most recently served as the club’s senior assistant midfield coach.
Adams’ significant contributions include his time as interim senior coach in 2022. He famously guided the team to a breakthrough victory against Richmond, ending a 14-game losing streak in his first game in charge.
Kearney balanced her coaching duties over three seasons with the men’s program while captaining the AFLW team. She led North Melbourne to its inaugural AFLW premiership in 2024.
"Leigh and Emma have both been incredible assets to our football program, and we are sad to see them go,” North Melbourne GM of football Todd Viney said.
“Leigh's commitment to the club over many years, both as a player and a coach, has been exemplary. He’s a much-loved and hugely respected figure in our club and we wish him every success in his next chapter.
"Emma has been a fantastic role model and coach for our playing group. Her leadership, knowledge and passion for the game are second to none.
“It’s completely understandable that she wants to concentrate on her playing career at this stage, and we know that whenever she decides to return to coaching, she'll be a massive success."
