Kearney Sidelined, North Faces AFLW Final Without Key Midfielder
North Melbourne's AFLW finals hopes have taken a blow with the news that star midfielder Jenna Kearney will miss the upcoming Grand Final. The Kangaroos will face off against Melbourne on Saturday, April 1st, in a highly anticipated rematch of last year's decider.
A Major Loss for North Melbourne
Kearney sustained a knee injury during North's preliminary final win against Collingwood last weekend. The injury, initially feared to be serious, has unfortunately ruled her out of the Grand Final.
"Jenna suffered a knee injury in the prelim final," said North Melbourne's Head of Women's Football, Lisa Webb. "She has been assessed by our medical team, and unfortunately, she will not be available for the Grand Final."
The news is a major blow for North Melbourne, who have relied heavily on Kearney's explosive pace, precise kicking, and leadership throughout the season. She is a crucial part of the Roos' midfield, and her absence will be keenly felt against a strong Melbourne side.
How Will North Respond?
With Kearney unavailable, North Melbourne will need to find a way to fill the void in their midfield. Ellie Gavalas and Jenna Bruton will likely be called upon to step up their performance, while the Kangaroos could also look to other midfielders to take on a more prominent role.
The team will also need to find a way to overcome the emotional blow of losing Kearney. She has been a key figure in the team's success this season, and her presence will be missed on and off the field.
Melbourne Favourites Despite Kearney's Absence
Despite the loss of Kearney, North Melbourne will be looking to cause an upset against Melbourne. The Demons have been the dominant force in the competition all season, but North has proven to be a tough opponent.
The Roos will need to play their best football to have a chance of winning, but with Kearney on the sidelines, their task has become significantly harder.
The Grand Final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides determined to claim the AFLW premiership title. The absence of Kearney will certainly be a factor, but it will be up to the rest of the Kangaroos to show their resilience and fight for victory.