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News.com.au
08-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFLW 2025: North Melbourne's first premiership captain relinquishes her role
It's the end of an era at Arden St. North Melbourne inaugural and maiden premiership captain Emma Kearney has decided to step down as skipper ahead of the upcoming AFLW season. Kearney took on the captaincy in the club's establishment season of 2019 and steered it to the 2024 premiership. She bravely made it back from a hamstring injury to return to the Roos' preliminary side ahead of the grand final triumph over Brisbane. Kearney penned an open letter to North Melbourne members and fans on Tuesday afternoon. She detailed her gratitude for the opportunity to captain the club and how she thought the timing was right to hand over the reins. '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,' Kearney wrote. '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, has been an absolute privilege. 'When I reflect on my time in the captaincy role, I think about how much it's allowed me to grow as a leader, as a player and as a person.' Kearney, who also won a premiership at Western Bulldogs, said she has felt overwhelming North Melbourne support in each of her 65 games as a Roo. 'None of this would have been possible without the support from an incredible network of people, from my teammates to the coaches and staff along with our members and fans,' she added. 'To my teammates, thank you. We've shared so many unforgettable moments, battled through tough times, and celebrated incredible victories, and I'm excited for all that's still to come. 'To the coaches and support staff who have guided me in my time as captain, your trust and belief have been unwavering. 'I'm so grateful for your commitment to making us better players and people, and I look forward to continuing that journey with you all. 'To the North Melbourne faithful who have been with me every step of the way, from the lows to the ultimate highs of winning a premiership: your passion and support is the heartbeat of this club. I've felt that every time I've taken to the field.' Kearney backed the next wave of Kangaroos' leaders to fill her void as captain sturdily. 'I leave this role with immense confidence in the future of our team. I know whoever takes the reins as the next captain will lead with the same drive, dedication, and commitment,' she said. 'We have some exceptional leaders within this group, and I am looking forward to seeing them continue to flourish. 'I know this move is in the best interests of our team, as we look to write the next chapter in our history and continue to grow and evolve. 'I'm incredibly excited to continue playing alongside my teammates and to keep striving for success with all of you by our side. The best is yet to come.'
Business Insider
24-06-2025
- Business Insider
I went on a weeklong trip to Italy. Here are the 4 best things I did and the 2 I'd skip next time.
This spring, I spent a week traveling through Italy. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a DIY food tour through Bologna. Next time, I'd skip the crowds in Pisa and visit smaller cities like Lucca or Siena instead. From its picturesque coastline to its mouthwatering cuisine and rich history, Italy has so much to offer. That's why, after moving to the UK in 2021 and visiting over 20 European countries, I've continued to return to Italy. This year, my husband and I spent a week traveling through Tuscany and the surrounding regions in search of culinary experiences and a countryside escape. Here are the four best things I did during my trip and the two I'd skip next time. Hands down, one of the best things I did was organize a DIY food tour in Bologna. In addition to being the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, thanks to its history as the birthplace of iconic Italian dishes like ragù and mortadella. So, it only felt right to explore the city through the lens of food. However, the more food tours I researched, the more I was drawn to craft my own. I liked that a DIY food tour was more affordable and it allowed us to personalize our culinary pursuits. We began the day at Paolo Atti & Figli to sample their torta di riso (rice cake), then enjoyed mortadella sandwiches at Crock, tagliatelle antica ricetta (a delicious pasta dish) at Ragū, and gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano. Later, we ended the day with tortellini at Sfoglia Rina, departing Bologna with full stomachs and an ever-growing list of dishes to try upon our return. I loved taking a bike tour through Tuscany. The Tuscan region of Italy is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and Chianti wine (a type of dry red). In an effort to explore the countryside, we decided to embark on a bike tour hosted by We Like Tuscany. The company offered a range of tours from beginner-friendly options to multi-day biking adventures, and I appreciated that some routes also included local food and winery stops. Not only was this immersive experience a great way to see the region and try a Chianti or two, but it also allowed us to venture off the beaten path — and fit in a workout. I'm glad I included time in our schedule to wander. It's so easy to overplan for a vacation, but in my experience, including time to wander is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Travel, of course, rarely goes to plan, and leaving some extra time in the itinerary has not only helped reduce fatigue, pressure, and stress, but it's often led to unique discoveries. Some of the best, most memorable moments from this trip were also the most unexpected. In Florence, we enjoyed a last-minute meal at Mirò Ristorante Pizzeria (which was recommended by a local) and watched a sunset performance on the Ponte Santa Trinita. Including time to wander and explore gave us a chance to truly soak in the atmosphere and feel more connected Italy and its people. I'm happy we visited more remote locations in addition to bigger cities. I enjoy visiting different regions in a country because they often exhibit distinct cultural characteristics and offer different activities. In our experience, our time in cities was more fast-paced and centered on specific attractions and events, while our time in remote areas was restful and focused on leisure and nature. By visiting both types of locations, we avoided having our vacation feel monotonous and gained a multifaceted perspective of Italy. Next time, however, I'd skip the crowds in Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is often included on the short list of the country's must-see destinations, and although it's a sight to behold, I think the city itself has become a tourist magnet. Since it was my first time visiting Pisa, we spent an afternoon seeing the tower and the surrounding museums, and wandering through the city. However, next time, I'd skip Pisa altogether and revisit smaller cities like Siena. There, we climbed a 14th century tower called the Torre del Mangia and relaxed in the Piazza del Campo. I'd also recommend visiting Lucca, where we walked around the city walls and enjoyed one of the best meals on our trip: ravioli at In Pasta - Cibo e Convivio. I don't think sightseeing indoors in Cinque Terre is enough to capture the full experience. When visiting a destination like Cinque Terre, which boasts striking natural landscapes and picturesque beauty, I say skip the indoor activities altogether. Attractions like museums and historical monuments are plentiful throughout Italy, but Cinque Terre's hiking trails, cliffside walks, and pebbly beaches are what make these five towns so special, in my opinion. By prioritizing activities that align with the unique aspects of the destination, I think you'll gain a greater appreciation for the place and have a more authentic experience.
