'Proudest achievement': AFLW star steps down as captain
Having led the Kangaroos since their first season in 2019, Kearney has been a star of the competition and one of its finest leaders.
The 35-year-old played a crucial role in North's drought-breaking grand-final win last year, helping set the tone for the commanding victory over the Brisbane Lions early in the contest.
Remarkably, Kearney had missed six games of last season due to a hamstring injury and only returned for the preliminary final.
In a letter to Kangaroos members, the six-time All-Australian detailed her decision to stand down as captain. "It's been quite a journey, so this decision is one I've given time and deep thought to," she wrote. "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.
"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' (coach Darren Crocker), has been an absolute privilege."
North will begin their premiership defence with an away trip to Geelong on August 16.
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