North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos captain Emma Kearney is expected to miss six weeks with a high-grade hamstring strain. 

The 35-year-old injured her right hamstring early in the first quarter of Sunday’s win over Richmond, with scans earlier today confirming the extent of the injury.

"This is obviously disappointing news for Emma and our program," North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said.

"Emma is an incredibly reliable player and leader for us and was putting together another stellar campaign this season.

"For this type of injury, it's usually a six-week rehab, and we know she will do everything in her power to return within that timeframe and continue to support the team as much as she can from the sidelines."

The AFLW’s only eight-time All-Australian, Kearney was appointed the Kangaroos' inaugural captain in 2019 and was backed in by her teammates to lead the side for the seventh consecutive season in 2024.