Kangaroos star Emma Kearney to return for North Melbourne's AFLW preliminary final against Port Adelaide

North Melbourne has received a massive boost ahead of their AFLW preliminary final against Port Adelaide with inspirational skipper Emma Kearney to make her long-awaited return from injury.

Kearney, 35, suffered a high-grade hamstring tear against Richmond back on September 29.

She has missed six games, including falling short of playing in North's qualifying final win over Adelaide just under a fortnight ago.

But after passing a fitness test on Wednesday, the aggressive, pacy and skilful half-back has been cleared to face the Power at Ikon Park on Saturday.

The eight-time All-Australian will provide crucial leadership and drive out of defence.

'It's the lighter ball that's doing it': AFLW champion says women should trial the heavier ball Photo shows A woman holding a football on an oval Emma Kearney fulfilled a childhood dream when she became a footballer, but she says the AFLW still has a long way to go.

"Emma will play this weekend after training well on Wednesday morning," North Melbourne women's football boss Erin Lorenzini said.

"It is a credit to her dedication to the team, with Emma doing everything in her power to return during finals whilst continuing to support the team as much as she could from the sidelines.

"We look forward to having her experience and leadership back out there in such an important game."

Minor premiers North Melbourne are seeking an elusive premiership after falling short in last year's grand final. Meanwhile, Brisbane and Adelaide will fight for a place in the grand final in the other preliminary final on Saturday night.

The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.

AAP

Click here to read article