AFLW 2024: North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney could miss rest of season
A North Melbourne star has been dealt a cruel injury blow which could shape the top of the AFLW ladder.
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North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney will miss the rest of the home and away season after scans revealed the star defender suffered a high grade hamstring injury on Sunday.
Kearney, 35, was hurt in the first quarter of the Roos’ win over Richmond after travelling interstate to Launceston and playing off only a four-day break during the compressed part of the season.
The injury is expected to sideline Kearney for six weeks, meaning the Kangaroos could be without their skipper until at least the second week of the finals.
The Kangaroos are currently the league’s only unbeaten side with five wins and a draw, but may need to beat Adelaide away without Kearney on October 25 to secure a top two spot.
North Melbourne women’s football boss Erin Lorenzini said it was “disappointing news for Emma and our program”.
“Emma is an incredibly reliable player and leader for us and was putting together another stellar campaign this season,” Lorenzini said.
“For this type of injury, it’s usually a six-week rehab, and we know she will do everything in her power to return within that time frame and continue to support the team as much as she can from the sidelines.”
The only AFLW player to have earnt All-Australian selection in all eight seasons, Kearney signed a two-year contract after last year’s grand final loss to ensure she will play on until at least the end of 2025.
Geelong was also dealt an injury blow to a key player in its frenzied shootout loss to Hawthorn on Thursday, losing Amy McDonald to a hamstring injury.
The Cats ballwinner was hurt in the second quarter and ruled out for three to five weeks as her side faces an uphill battle to return to the finals with only one win from five games.
Geelong will host Fremantle in a must-win game at home on Tuesday night before it travels north to meet Sydney at Henson Park on Sunday.
Originally published as AFLW 2024: North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney could miss rest of season
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