A SECOND AFLW premiership beckons for Cavendish export, Emma Kearney, who will lead the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos into tonight’s season decider against Brisbane.

Kearney only returned to the side last week since injuring her hamstring in round five, with the half-back embracing the lead-up to the grand final.

“I think it has been a little bit different in the build up compared to last year, we were probably just grateful to get in last year,” she told The Spectator.

“After having that experience, we have that expectation now, it has been a lot more calmer, being in and around the club it has been business as usual.

“It was obviously really exciting to make the grand final last year, but this time it is a bit different.”

Having played against the Lions in last season’s decider and going down by 17 points, Kearney was confident the experience the team got would hold the players in good stead this time around.

“You’re always better for the experience, Lachie Neale spoke about the Brisbane boys were better for the run last year,” Kearney said.

“Our younger players have just gotten better, their work over the off-season and their fitness and skills.”

And the lure of adding another premiership medal to her cabinet excited the Roos skipper, having won the 2018 premiership with the Western Bulldogs.

“Absolutely, when I won the first one with the Bulldogs, it was the early stages of the competition, it is still one of my favourite footy moments, but now it is a more established competition, and I feel like I have built strong connections with the playing group,” she said.

“Going into my seventh year at the Roos, I am really close with all the girls.”

The Roos are heading into the clash full of confidence after smashing Port Adelaide by 57 points – the fourth highest AFLW finals margin - with Kearney picking up five disposals from her 38 per cent time on ground.

Despite the low time spent on the ground, the 35-year-old would be going all out in the decider.

“It was really crucial to get that one ticked off, I had a pretty interrupted rehab with some different strains,” she said.

“I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it through for the prelim, it was challenging having very little game minutes.

“It would have been a challenge coming back for a grand final for first game back, but the coaches always gave me confidence.

“I had a really solid training session (on Wednesday) for our main training session, so it will be business as usual, pretty much that first game I just needed to tick those few boxes.”

With the sold out game to be played at Ikon Park, a big crowd of blue and white is expected, including her parents and other familiar faces.

“They have been some of my biggest supports for my entire career,” she said.

“It is always really nice to play in front of your home fans, a night grand final means it is a really long day.

“To have the comfort of your own home, rather than being stuck in a hotel room helps.

“Ikon Park is a big wide ground, it suits the way we want to play with changing angles and possessing the footy.”

The W Awards were held earlier this week with the hamstring injury costing Kearney a chance to continue her run of All Australian selections, having been selected in the team every season up until the 2024 edition.

“It didn’t feel weird, as soon as I did my hammy and knew I was going to be out for six weeks, I had a lot of people reach out and say the streak was over,” she said.

“It was frustrating, because I felt like I was playing some career best footy.”

Despite that, a premiership medal tonight would soothe that frustration, should the Roos get the better of the Lions.

“If I can cap it all off with another premiership, that would be amazing,” she said.

The first bounce is scheduled for 7.45pm.