CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Emma Kearney of the Bulldogs is tackled during the round seven AFL Women's match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Western Bulldogs at UNSW Canberra Oval on March 18, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Ahead of North Melbourne's inaugural AFLW season in 2019, the Kangaroos have set their sights on one of the biggest names in the game.
According to foxfooty.com.au, the Roos will target Western Bulldog Emma Kearney, and will likely offer her the captaincy as an incentive to leave the Dogs and move to North Melbourne next season.
Kearney has been in strong form for the Dogs this season, leading them to a 3-1 start and the top of the AFLW ladder.
She's also been one of the league's best players, leading the competition with 20.5 disposals per game, and is second in the league behind teammate Katie Brennan in marks per contest (5.3).
The Roos are at the head of the queue for Kearney should she leave the Dogs, especially given her connections to the Melbourne University Football Club, which is expected to become North Melbourne's VFLW team.
It is believed the Dogs expect Kearney to remain at the Kennel, although she is out of contract at season's end.
Kearney won the Bulldogs' best and fairest award last season along with Ellie Blackburn.