Western Bulldog Emma Kearney says sledging is just part of playing football

EMMA Kearney has emerged as one of the finds of AFLW but her ability with the ball might come second to her ability to dish out an earful.

Emma Kearney celebrates a goal for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

EMMA Kearney has emerged as one of the finds of AFLW and the Western Bulldogs would be laughing.

The Bulldogs secured the bullish midfielder as a priority player, stealing her from the grasp of rival clubs ahead of the draft.

Kearney is an aggressive player, both physically and verbally.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE SUNDAY HERALD SUN FOR YOUR FREE ‘I HEART AFLW’ STICKER

The 27-year-old schoolteacher missed a large chuck of the Bulldogs pre-season because she was opening the bowling for Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League, but a delayed start has not held her back.

Kearney had 23 touches in Round 1 in a best-afield performance that surprised even her.

Emma Kearney has been a standout for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“Before Round 1 I had a chat with Grovesy (Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves) and we sort of talked about my form probably not going to be at its best until later in the year, and we were happy with that,” she said.

Kearney grabs the ball cleanly and moves quickly, not afraid to sidestep and baulk her opponent, taking a bounce or two before passing the ball off.

Groves reckons she can gain his side 70m in a single play.

“My pace can stand out from some others and that’s probably my strength,” Kearney said

“I’ve just got to back my ability to beat my opponents one-on-one and that’s what I do.

OLD GROUND: AFLW HELPS WHITTEN OVAL REVIVAL

MATCH REPORT: PEARCE LEADS DEMONS TO WIN OVER DOGS

STAR RETURNS: GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK, SKIPPER

“Sometimes I’m going to get caught holding the ball, but I like to open the game up to help my teammates create a bit of space.”

In addition to being renown for her speed, Kearney is regarded as the queen of the sledge — possibly the best in the business.

“I do accept that (but) I’ve been pretty quiet this year,” Kearney said.

During a practice match against Collingwood on Australia Day she gave Magpies defender Emma Grant an earful after she kicked a goal.

While it kept the crowd entertained, it irked Magpies’ footy boss and key defender Meg Hutchins who, while not naming Kearney, told a newspaper she “wasn’t happy with that behaviour”.

“A couple of my teammates pointed that out to me. We all sort of had a laugh about it because it is part of the game — I get sledged probably just as much as I hand out,” Kearney said.

“When the siren goes I’m happy to shake my opponent’s hand and be mates after the game. I guess that’s how I operate.

Emma Kearney playing for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

Emma Kearney playing in the WBBL. Picture: Colleen Petch

“It’s nothing personal towards that person … I just like to have a bit of banter on the field. I think it’s harmless fun, I hope no one takes it too personally.

“I think it’s part of the game. Footy’s so intense and I’ve got a bit of white line fever.”

What’s gone before makes for a cracker of a game on Saturday night when the Bulldogs take on the Magpies in a game the Whitten Oval women need to win to keep their finals chances alive.

“Hopefully on Saturday night I’ve got a bit of something to yap about,” Kearney said.

Originally published as Western Bulldog Emma Kearney says sledging is just part of playing football