Former Cavendish sportswoman Emma Kearney has quit cricket in hope of taking her football to a new and exciting level.
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The AFL Women's reigning best and fairest said she had informed her Women's Big Bash League club the Melbourne Stars of her decision.
Kearney, who led the Western Bulldogs to premiership glory before becoming the first player to join North Melbourne ahead of its inaugural season, won almost every award on offer in 2018.
The 28-year-old said she was excited by the thought of what she could achieve now that she would not be playing cricket.
"It’s definitely possible to have a better season and I’m definitely hopeful of that," she said.
"I’ve already started working on things that I want to get better at.
"I feel there’s always pressure to perform and go another step better than the previous year, but that’s what I love about sport.
"I’m motivated by that and I’ve always had the work ethic to keep improving on mine and my team's games."
The dynamic midfielder said it was not only individual success she hoped to achieve at Arden Street.
"Ultimately another grand final win would be amazing," she said.
"Winning a premiership and building strong connections with the players in the team.
"Coming into a new team will have its challenges so if we can connect quickly we should go all right."
The dual sports star said she had mixed feelings about walking away from cricket, but admitted she knew the decision was inevitable.
She said she felt making the tough call would benefit her in a number of ways on and off the field.
"The Stars were really good," Kearney said. “They always knew footy was a priority for me so it was expected.
"It was difficult to make the decision because I loved being able to do both sports, but I knew mentally and physically it was the best outcome for me and hopefully means I can play footy for a longer time.
"It was definitely always going to be footy that won. I’m definitely more natural at it and I was more relaxed playing it. Cricket was always a sport that gave me more stress and I felt the pressure."
Kearney has also taken on the role of sport and recreation co-ordinator at The Huddle - North Melbourne's not-for-profit community arm.
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