Kangaroos captain Kearney nears AFLW return for finals

North Melbourne are hoping for a welcome boost with AFLW captain Emma Kearney a chance to feature in their qualifying final against Adelaide.

The Crows could also be bolstered by the return of livewire forward Danielle Ponter, while Fremantle are optimistic defender Ash Brazill will overcome an ankle injury for their elimination final against Essendon.

Kearney has missed half of the Kangaroos' minor premiership season after suffering a high-grade strain in their round-five win over Richmond - the second of two matches that week.

The veteran defender, the only injury concern for the Kangaroos, is now just a fitness test away from returning in Friday night's final against the Crows at Ikon Park.

"Emma is ticking off a lot of boxes in her hamstring rehab," senior physiotherapist Billy Williams said.

"We'll look to make more firm decisions around her selection for Friday night as the week progresses."

Midfielder-forward Jenna Bruton was rested for their final home-and-away match against Gold Coast and is expected to return to the side for Friday.

Adelaide are confident Ponter will be able to prove her fitness after rolling her ankle in the fourth quarter of their win against Geelong.

"The good news is on Monday she was able to do a little bit of jogging," Crows football boss Phil Harper said.

"We'll test that out on Wednesday when we have our main training and see how she goes for Friday night's game, but our medical staff are confident she should be ok."

Fremantle's Brazill is in line for a return after being rested in the final home-and-away match with an ankle complaint she first picked up in round nine.

Port Adelaide also have good news with star midfield duo Matilda Scholz (calf) and Abbey Dowrick (soreness) set to feature in their elimination final against Richmond after both were a late withdrawal in round 10.

Forward Julia Teakle (knee) could also feature, should she pass a test.

Elsewhere, All-Australian winger Sophie Conway has been cleared of a serious injury after leaving the field with a shoulder complaint in Brisbane's win over St Kilda.

Conway had left the game out of precaution following a tackle in the final quarter.