Emma Kearney will continue to lead the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos as they embark on their second AFLW season.
Continuing as captain, the tough midfielder will be supported by newly appointed vice-captain Jas Garner and returning leaders Emma King and Britt Gibson.
“I can’t wait to start training and preparing for 2020,” Kearney told North Media.
“I’m super excited and think that we have some great leaders in this group and throughout the team.
“It isn’t just us four who will be leading. Tahlia Randall and Ash Riddell have been identified as emerging leaders, and there’s a host of other talent as well.”
Selected with a team voting system, Kearney said the official leaders’ styles are unique but complementary.
“All four of us are really different,” Kearney explained.
“Each of us brings something unique to the leadership group which is really important to be able to connect with all of the players.
“Jas Garner as vice-captain is a great move for us. She has a really gentle approach to players and works really hard on her game.
“She wasn’t in the leadership group last year and I think she’s really proud of the fact that she’s been chosen, and we’re proud of her as well.
“Gibbo [Gibson] is the heart of the leadership group, she’s super-passionate about the club and really tries to lift players with her intensity and the way she plays the game.
“Kingy [King] is really thoughtful and always comes prepared and thinks really carefully about decisions.
“She puts a lot of time and effort into her thoughts, and processes them carefully.
“She’ll probably be the brains of the operation,” joked Kearney.
For Kearney, it’s always about leading by example.
“I think it’s really important to be authentic, and I’m happy being myself,” she added.
“It’s about doing all the right things on the track; so training with intensity and leading by example.
“I’m a naturally shy person so for me it’s about getting an understanding of the playing group and making sure that they understand who I am as a person.”
North officially begins its pre-season campaign on Monday.
