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North Melbourne have 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. Making way for Kearney is Eliza Shannon, who has played three games this season. Port Adelaide named an unchanged line-up on Thursday, as did the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide for the other preliminary final. Eight-time All-Australian Kearney will provide crucial leadership and drive out of defence for the Kangaroos. "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.
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