Ellie Blackburn believes Western Bulldogs have depth to cover loss of star midfielder Emma Kearney

Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney are best friends off the field but the now former teammates will be on opposing sides this season and despite admitting Kearney is a “big loss”, the Dogs co-captain believes her team has the depth to cover her.

Best mates Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn will fight for the prize this AFLW season.

Ellie Blackburn’s bestie walked.

And while she is ultimately happy for the Kangaroos’ new skipper, the Western Bulldogs co-captain admits that Emma Kearney’s departure has been “bittersweet”.

Kearney won the league best and fairest last year, having also played in the Dogs’ premiership victory over Brisbane.

She announced days later that she would be changing clubs, joining North Melbourne for its inaugural AFLW campaign.

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Best mates Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn will fight for the prize this AFLW season.

Blackburn, who shares a strong friendship with her former teammate, said she was split on the move.

“Look, as her friend I was happy with her decision,” she said.

“I think it was really good for her personally, but as a teammate you want her to stay and be a part of what you’re doing.

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“It was bittersweet, in a way, when she left. I’m looking forward to seeing how she’ll go, and especially as captain for her.

“I know that’s something that she’s definitely wanted to do in her footballing career, so I’m excited to see how she’ll go about it.”

Kearney is a “big loss” for the Dogs — Blackburn knows that better than anyone.

Blackburn and Kearney celebrate the Bulldogs’ premiership win last year. Picture: Getty

But she backed the team’s depth to cover the two-time club best and fairest winner’s absence.

None of Blackburn’s fellow skippers across the competition tipped the reigning premier Dogs to go back-to-back — or even make the Grand Final in eight weeks’ time — in this week’s captains survey.

Not that she is concerned by the apparent snub, determined to disprove their predictions.

“I think it just shows that the competition can really change in 12 months, so there’s some uncertainty about who will be the top performers,” Blackburn said.

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“Obviously everyone saw a real improvement in our side in our second year compared to our first, so who’s to say that can’t happen for another team in the competition.

“But we’re confident within ourselves and know we have the talent and depth to be successful again and hopefully prove them wrong.”