How Kearney's return has boosted Roos' bid for glory

With AFLW captain Emma Kearney back, North Melbourne are feeling near-invincible heading into their preliminary final.

Kearney returns as the flag-chasing Kangaroos face a plucky Port Adelaide at Ikon Park on Saturday.

While North defenders have excelled in hamstrung Kearney's seven-week absence to remain undefeated, the veteran's experience and skill will be a valuable asset after the Power ran riot in their semi-final win.

Down 22 points at third quarter-time, Port pulled off the biggest AFLW comeback to knock out finals favourites Hawthorn by one point.

Having watched a stunned Hawthorn defence struggle to stop the Power, star forward Kate Shierlaw says North will be walking "taller" with their skipper back.

"You don't realise what you have until you don't have it," Shierlaw told AAP.

"We knew how important she was but not having her out there has made an impact.

"It's been really positive for the group to grow and to show we can do it without her.

"To have her come in at this time of the year will just be the cherry on top.

"Her experience and leadership, particularly for a big game, will be super valuable ... we'll all walk a bit taller."

North Melbourne have never lost to Port Adelaide.

Darren Crocker's side demolished the Power in the most recent of their three clashes, holding Port scoreless until the 10-minute mark of the third quarter to set up a 36-point victory in wet conditions in round four.

Still, Shierlaw says her side won't make the mistake of getting ahead of themselves.

"We keep speaking about how we haven't achieved anything yet," Shierlaw said.

"We've treated every game the same, just to try and get better, and hopefully that holds us in good stead.

"We are the ones who are getting hunted down now."

However, Shierlaw admits the heartbreak of losing last year's grand final to Brisbane is keeping the hunger for a maiden flag at an all-time high.

A potential rematch with Brisbane is on the cards, with the Lions hosting Adelaide in the second preliminary final on Saturday.

"It definitely put a fire in our belly," Shierlaw said of their 2022 decider loss.

"Last year, we were the underdogs. We were sort of hoping that we'd win when we were going into games.

"We just obviously weren't good enough when it mattered at the end.

"Until we sort of reach that ultimate success, we've still got a lot to get better at.

"The feeling that you have when you lose a grand final is not a nice one, and hopefully we can rectify it this year."