A hard running midfielder and one of the most damaging players in AFLW history, Emma Kearney has built an extraordinary career defined by consistency, leadership and elite performance. During her time at the Western Bulldogs, Emma won back-to-back Club Best & Fairest awards, was named All-Australian twice, played a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2018 Premiership, and also claimed the AFLW League Best & Fairest.
Growing up on a sheep station in country Victoria, Emma was raised like many country kids, trying her hand at multiple sports. She played football with the boys until she was no longer permitted to compete, which was a common barrier for young girls at the time. Her passion for the game was reignited in 2010 when she returned to football with Melbourne University in the VWFL, where she quickly rediscovered her love for the sport.
At the conclusion of the 2018 season, as North Melbourne and Geelong prepared to enter the AFLW, both clubs began shaping their inaugural lists. North Melbourne identified Emma as a priority recruit due to her damaging form and strong connection to Melbourne Uni. After careful consideration, Emma made the difficult decision to leave the Western Bulldogs and become North Melbourne’s first ever signing ahead of the 2019 season.
Appointed the inaugural captain of the Kangaroos, Emma led the club with distinction. Despite narrowly missing finals in 2021, she was once again named All-Australian and finished runner-up in the Club Best & Fairest. She continued her outstanding form across Season 6 and 7 in 2022, earning All-Australian selection in both seasons, before repeating the feat again in 2023 marking an incredible eight consecutive All-Australian selections. That season, Emma also led North Melbourne to their first Grand Final, where they narrowly fell to Brisbane.
Over her first three seasons at North Melbourne, Emma finished runner-up in the Club Best & Fairest each year while being named All-Australian, firmly stamping herself as one of the league’s premier players.
Emma continued to add to her decorated career across the 2024 and 2025 seasons as a key leader and elite midfielder forward for North Melbourne. Despite a hamstring injury that sidelined her for much of 2024, she returned to full fitness to captain the Kangaroos to their first AFLW Premiership a historic achievement for the club. In 2025, Emma played a pivotal role in North Melbourne’s back-to-back premiership, contributing her experience, elite ball use and leadership as part of a dominant side that completed an undefeated season and secured the club’s second consecutive flag.
With her relentless work rate, football IQ and unmatched leadership, Emma Kearney remains one of the most influential and respected figures in AFLW history.
Outside of Sport, Emma completed her Teaching Degree and currently works at the Club in ‘The Huddle’ Program.
Playing Honours:
AFLW Premiership Player – 2018 (Western Bulldogs), 2024 & 2025 (North Melbourne)
AFLW League Best & Fairest – 2018
Western Bulldogs Best & Fairest – 2017, 2018
All-Australian Selections – 8 consecutive selections (2016 - 2023)
North Melbourne Inaugural Captain – 2019 - present
Runner-up North Melbourne Best & Fairest – 2019, 2020, 2021
Back-to-back Premiership Captain – 2024 & 2025