The only player to be named an All-Australian in every season of the AFLW's existence, Emma Kearney is not only one of the greatest players in the history of the game, she's one of the greatest captains too.
Named skipper of the inaugural Kangaroos side, Kearney forged her reputation on being one of the hardest and most ferocious midfielders going around and as the competition has improved year in, year out, so has she. As she continues to build her legacy, there's no doubting that Kearney will go down as one of the all-time greats of the competition, if she isn't already in that conversation. Despite missing the first round of the 2022 season through the League’s health and safety protocols, Kearney returned to play every possible game of the season from then on, impressing in her new position roaming off the half-back flank. She ended the season by being named to the All-Australian side for a record sixth time, this time in defence, and was named captain for the first time in her career. She also continued her record of registering a podium finish in the club best and fairest in every year of its existence. Kearney also won her fourth consecutive Shinboner of the Year Award, nailing home the value she provides her team both on and off the field.
