Kearney gone but Dogs OK
LAUREN WOOD ELLIE walked.
And while she is ultimately happy for the Kangaroos’ new skipper, the Western Bulldogs captain admits that Emma Kearney’s departure has been “bittersweet”.
Kearney won the league best and fairest last year, having also played in the Dogs’ premiership victory over Brisbane.
She announced days later that she would be changing clubs, joining North Melbourne for its inaugural AFLW campaign.
Blackburn, who shares a strong friendship with her former teammate, said she was split on the move.
“As her friend I was happy with her decision,” she said.
“I think it was really good for her personally, but as a teammate you want her to stay and be a part of what you’re doing.
“It was bittersweet, in a way, Blackburn’s bestie when she left. I’m looking forward to seeing how she’ll go, and especially as captain for her.
“I know that’s something that she’s definitely wanted to do in her footballing career, so I’m excited to see how she’ll go about it.”
Kearney is a “big loss” for the Dogs – Blackburn knows that better than anyone. But she backed the team’s depth to cover the two-time club best and fairest winner’s absence.
None of Blackburn’s fellow skippers across the competition tipped the reigning premier Dogs to go back-to-back – or even make the Grand Final in eight weeks’ time – in this week’s captains survey.
Not that she is concerned by the apparent snub, determined to disprove their predictions.
“I think it just shows that the competition can really change in 12 months, so there’s some uncertainty about who will be the top performers,” Blackburn said.