AFLW 2025: North Melbourne’s first premiership captain relinquishes her role

An integral part of North Melbourne’s AFLW journey to last year’s breakthrough premiership has made a huge career call.

It’s the end of an era at Arden St.

North Melbourne inaugural and maiden premiership captain Emma Kearney has decided to step down as skipper ahead of the upcoming AFLW season.

Kearney took on the captaincy in the club’s establishment season of 2019 and steered it to the 2024 premiership.

She bravely made it back from a hamstring injury to return to the Roos’ preliminary side ahead of the grand final triumph over Brisbane.

Kearney penned an open letter to North Melbourne members and fans on Tuesday afternoon.

She detailed her gratitude for the opportunity to captain the club and how she thought the timing was right to hand over the reins.

“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,” Kearney wrote.

“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 held up 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.”

North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney with the premiership cup . Picture: Michael Klein

Kearney, who also won a premiership at Western Bulldogs, said she has felt overwhelming North Melbourne support in each of her 65 games as a Roo.

“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,” she added.

“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.”

Kearney (R) was a key part of the Roos’ centenary celebration last week at Marvel Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Kearney backed the next wave of Kangaroos’ leaders to fill her void as captain sturdily.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Originally published as AFLW 2025: North Melbourne’s first premiership captain relinquishes her role