Emma Kearney, a celebrated figure in the AFLW, is currently weighing her playing future as she prepares for the grand final against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. The North Melbourne defender, aged 36, acknowledged that a potential third premiership could influence her decision. Kearney’s performance this season has been solid, but when asked about her next steps after the championship match, she expressed uncertainty.
Reflecting on her journey, Kearney recalled competing against women’s football trailblazer Debbie Lee before the AFLW was established. “I said to some of my younger teammates, ‘if I’m still playing, tell me to retire’,” Kearney remarked. Now, as she approaches her own crossroads in her career, Kearney recognized the irony of her situation. “So here I am – 36, still playing. I’m still weighing that (retirement) up,” she added.
Kearney, who faced challenges last season due to a hamstring injury, played a significant role in North Melbourne’s victory over the Lions in last year’s grand final. This season has unfolded with greater ease for her, allowing her to also serve as a development coach for North’s AFL team. “I have a contract there waiting for me. I will play this last game and then see from there, but I’m really enjoying it,” she said.
Recognition and Team Dynamics
During the recent AFLW awards night, Kearney celebrated a significant milestone alongside teammate Jasmine Garner, as both were recognized as eight-time All-Australians. Kearney garnered votes in the best-and-fairest voting, even as another standout player, Ash Riddell, who broke her own disposals record, did not receive the same recognition. Riddell later won the women’s equivalent of the Brownlow Medal, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
“I said to Ash (on Monday night), ‘you need to be a bit flashier’,” Kearney noted with a hint of humor. She intends to share her expertise with Riddell, aiming to enhance her visibility on the field. “I will teach her my ways, I will teach her how to run and carry with the ball and maybe she will get noticed more by the umpires,” she explained.
As the competition intensifies, Kearney is aware of the implications of having the same teams, North Melbourne and Brisbane, face off in their third consecutive grand final. She raised concerns regarding the development of the AFLW, emphasizing the existing gap between top clubs and those struggling to keep pace. “Do we want the same teams being up the top? Don’t care. I don’t know,” Kearney stated, acknowledging the need for broader competitiveness within the league.
Kearney pointed out that the resources allocated to AFLW programs significantly impact a team’s success. “What we’re doing at North Melbourne and Brisbane is setting the standard, and we need the other teams to come up to that standard,” she remarked. As Kearney approaches a pivotal moment in her career, her contributions to the league and her team remain invaluable, with her legacy poised to inspire future generations of players.
