Emma Kearney will lead the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos for a seventh consecutive season after being backed in by her teammates as captain again for 2024. 

The only player in AFLW history to receive All-Australian honours in every season of the competition, Kearney has led the Kangaroos since the team’s inaugural season in 2019.

The 34-year-old will be supported by six teammates, including vice-captain Jasmine Garner. 

Ash Riddell, Kate Shierlaw and Bella Eddey will continue as leaders, while Libby Birch and Jasmine Ferguson round out the seven-woman leadership group as new inclusions.

Birch, a dual All-Australian and premiership player, joins the group in her first season at Arden Street after crossing from Melbourne during last year’s trade period. 

Ferguson, who has played 36 games across three seasons for the Kangaroos, has been voted in for the first time following a career-best season in 2023. 

Ruck Emma King and defender Nicole Bresnehan come out of the 2023 leadership group. 

"We are very excited to have this group of players lead the team in 2024," North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said. 

"Emma has been an incredibly reliable leader since walking through the doors at Arden Street in 2019, highlighted by her being backed in as captain by her teammates for the seven seasons.

"It is also great to see Libby Birch and Jasmine Ferguson join our leadership group for the first time. Libby’s inclusion shows the impact she has already had during her short time at the club, while Jasmine’s is a testament to her growth both on and off the field over the past 12 months.

"It’s a sign of how far our program has come when great leaders like Emma (King) and Nicole relinquish their positions. They still have a lot to offer in this space and we know they’ll provide great support for the official leadership group.

"We congratulate the entire group on their appointment, and we can’t wait to see where they can help take the team this season.”

The Kangaroos kick off their 2024 campaign with a grand final re-match against the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena on September 1.