North Melbourne legend Emma Kearney has hinted that her AFLW career will continue on after winning a third premiership.
One of the competition’s best players since its inception, Kearney said in the lead up to the grand final with the Brisbane Lions that she had a contact in front of her but was yet to sign it.
The Kangaroos on Saturday night became the first club to go back-to-back in the AFLW, beating the Lions, 9.2 (56)-2.4 (16).
Speaking on the post match coverage on Channel 7, Kearney said she just loves playing football.
“It’s hard being a woman too as you want to start a family and things like that and Kate’s [Shierlaw] obviously playing as well,” she said.
“I’ll weigh it up. I’ll more likely play on.
“I love this group and when you’re having success like that, it makes it easier
“I know that I can play a really simple role off half back and help the younger girls coming through.”
Kearney has a girls football academy at Albion Football Club and lives locally with her partner and fellow Kangaroos premiership teammate Shierlaw.
Kearney, who now has three premiership medals having also won a premiership at the Western Bulldogs, said this premiership was different to last season.
“I reckon there was additional pressure on this one, just because last season we went through undefeated,” she said.
“It was this constant narrative of 26 in a row whatever it was.
“That pressure was starting to build. I felt like we were nervous in the prelim against Melbourne, and hadn’t played them in the home and away season.
“A very skillful team and got tested really well against them.
“I think once we got over the line against them, that full belief our best was good enough against Brisbane.”
Kearney finished the grand final with 17 disposals in the grand final, while Shierlaw had eight.
Shierlaw, who also kicked a goal, said the forward group had a really good energy with different players stepping up each week.
While she’s been a key in the forward line, it’s been a different season for her.
“I’ve played ruck, forward and back this year,” she said. “It’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed the versatility and enjoyed different things.
“The girls have helped me a lot.”
The pair were among a number of North players with connections to Melbourne’s west.
Kangaroos skipper Jasmine Garner started her football journey with Yarraville Seddon while also representing Braybrook and St Albans.
Ruby Tripodi is from Williamstown and played her football with Williamstown CYMS and Williamstown.
Tara Murray
