NORTH Melbourne captain Emma Kearney will miss her side's opening round clash against Geelong as she recovers from COVID-19.

As reported by womens.afl, Kearney's availability for the round one game was in doubt after she tested positive for the virus.

While Kearney's isolation period will end at midnight on Friday, Kearney - in consultation with the Kangaroos - has decided she will sit out Saturday evening's game.

“Emma’s health is our number one priority,” the Roos' head of women’s football Nathan Hrovat said.

“Our medical and performance staff work to safely manage our players back into training and competition. Emma is doing well but isn’t quite well enough to return this week, a decision we unconditionally support.

“When it comes to COVID-19, each individual circumstance is different which means we will see many different management strategies across the AFLW season.

“Ultimately, we have made the conservative decision and put Emma’s health first.”