North Melbourne will lose a pair of assistant coaches for their men's team following their Round 24 clash against Adelaide, with Leigh Adams and Emma Kearney to step away from their roles at the conclusion of the season.
Adams, who played 104 games for North Melbourne between 2007 and 2015, has been in the club's coaching ranks for six years, which included being appointed the interim senior coach in 2022. He won his first game in a boilover against Richmond, but would lose the remaining four games. The club stated that he will search for coaching opportunities elsewhere.
Kearney's reason for leaving is based on her decision to prioritise her playing career for the Kangaroos AFLW side, which she captained to an unbeaten season and first AFLW premiership last season. She's been involved with the men's team's coaching staff for the past three seasons.
North Melbourne GM of football, Todd Viney, wished the pair well for the next part of their career journey and spoke highly of their impact on the club.
"Leigh and Emma have both been incredible assets to our football program, and we are sad to see them go,” Viney said.
“Leigh's commitment to the club over many years, both as a player and a coach, has been exemplary. He's a much-loved and hugely respected figure in our club, and we wish him every success in his next chapter.
"Emma has been a fantastic role model and coach for our playing group. Her leadership, knowledge and passion for the game are second to none.
“It's completely understandable that she wants to concentrate on her playing career at this stage, and we know that whenever she decides to return to coaching, she'll be a massive success."
