Kearney remains sidelined for North ahead of AFLW final

Roger Vaughan |

North Melbourne star Emma Kearney remains sidelined with a hamstring injury going into the finals.
North Melbourne star Emma Kearney remains sidelined with a hamstring injury going into the finals.

North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney has failed to prove her fitness for their AFLW qualifying final against Adelaide.

While the Crows have named Danielle Ponter, Kearney was a chance to return from the serious hamstring injury she suffered in the win over Richmond on September 29.

The Kangaroos had said during the week that their eight-time All-Australian defender would be tested ahead of the Friday night final at Ikon Park.

Instead, their only change was to recall star midfielder Jenna Bruton, who was rested last weekend, at the expense of Niamh Martin.

Bruton
Jenna Bruton is back for the Kangaroos after being rested. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

It’s a tough call on Martin, who had played nine games this season.

North are unbeaten this season, with a draw their only blemish, and will start favourites against the Crows.

Ponter suffered an ankle injury last weekend, but is expected to play. The Crows made one change, recalling Lily Tarlinton for Najwa Allen.

Fremantle have regained experienced defender Ash Brazill for their home elimination final on Saturday against Essendon and left out Joanne Cregg.

Brazill
Ash Brazill is set to return for the Dockers. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Emily Gough will replace Bombers co-captain Bonnie Toogood, whose season-ending ankle injury is a massive blow.

The Sunday squads feature some big names for Port Adelaide, who could regain Matilda Scholz, Abbey Dowrick and Julia Teakle for their home elimination final against Richmond.

Jo Miller is out of the Power squad, while the Tigers have dropped Charley Ryan.

Hawthorn and Brisbane could take unchanged sides into their Sunday qualifying final at Ikon Park.

AAP