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AAP
AAP
Sport
Roger Vaughan

Kearney, Rennie return for North in AFLW

North Melbourne have named Emma Kearney for Saturday night's AFLW final against Geelong. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Key North Melbourne players Emma Kearney and Kim Rennie and Geelong ball magnet Georgie Prespakis have been named for Saturday night's AFLW elimination final.

But the Kangaroos have lost Erika O'Shea to an eye injury.

North clearly missed Kearney (knee) and Rennie (illness) through their midfield in last Sunday's draw against Richmond, a result which cost them a shot at the double chance.

Instead, they finished eighth and will head to GMHBA Stadium to take on the Cats.

O'Shea was hurt in the Richmond match and has not recovered in time, while North also dropped Charli Granville.

Prespakis rolled her ankle last Saturday in Geelong's thrashing of Sydney and there were initial fears it could be a serious injury.

But the Cats have said all week that Prespakis, one of their most important players, has recovered well after ending the game with her right leg in a moon boot.

Geelong brought back Melissa Bragg for Madeline Keryk.

Minor premiers Brisbane are unchanged for Saturday's qualifying final against Richmond, who have dropped Meagan Kiely for Maddie Shevlin.

Also on Friday, Western Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke said some players are battling colds and 'flu ahead of Sunday's elimination final against Collingwood at Victoria Park.

But he confirmed that captain Ellie Blackburn, who has had a foot problem and ill health, will play against the Magpies.

The teams for Sunday's match will be announced on Saturday afternoon.

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