Since arriving at the club with pick No.73 in the 2016 AFL draft, Nick Larkey has swiftly become North Melbourne's go-to option inside 50.
With his no-nonsense approach, smooth routine, and measured kicking action, the vice-captain has steered home 201 goals across his 99 appearances as a Kangaroo, firmly stamping himself as one of the competition's elite forwards.
Ahead of his 100th AFL game, NMFC Media has revisited five of the spearhead's best outings in front of the big sticks.
9.3 v Gold Coast, Round 24, 2023
In the final round of the 2024 season, it was Larkey who inspired the Roos to a drought-breaking 35-point win over the Suns, with a career-high nine goals and 16 score involvements.
The effort came just a week after he tallied six against the Tigers at the MCG and took his season tally to an incredibly accurate 71.24 – 29 goals more than his previous best annual haul of 42 in 2021.
Capable of inflicting damage from low disposal counts, the forward had a complete day out in Hobart, finishing with career-highs for possessions (21) and marks (11).
He propelled his name right into the mix for a maiden All Australian blazer, which he secured when he was selected on the 2024 side's interchange bench.
7.0 v Carlton, Round 19, 2021
The earliest entry from this list comes from the 2021 clash with Carlton in an eerily empty Marvel Stadium, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
After trailing by two points at the main change, the Roos went on to dismantle the Blues in the second half, eventually claiming a 39-point win off the back of Larkey's seven goals – which were, at the time, the most he'd kicked in a single match.
While getting plenty of separation from Carlton key back Jacob Weitering, the No.20 was also dominant in the air, reining in three contested marks for the game.
7.1 v Sydney, Round 21, 2022
With members of the 1996 premiership-winning side in the house for North Melbourne's clash with Sydney, Larkey gave a nod to the prowling and prolific key forwards of the past with a bag of seven.
Although the game got away from the Kangas, there was no tying down 'Souv', who goaled at least once in every quarter.
It was a refreshing and relieving performance for the sharpshooter, who had failed to hit the scoreboard in Rounds 18 and 20 – the first time he'd gone consecutive matches without a goal since two seasons prior.
6.3 v West Coast, Round 2, 2022
Using his strength and smarts, Larkey exploited an inexperienced but plucky West Coast outfit to lead North Melbourne to a 15-point win.
It was the forward who was the difference-maker, kicking a game-high six goals to go along with three contested grabs and six marks inside 50.
6.0 v West Coast, Round 1, 2023
A year later, Larkey caused more headaches for the Eagles' defence.
He was again one of the crucial contributors in keeping West Coast at bay as he kicked another haul of six goals to help the Roos claim a five-point victory, his best of which came late as he collected the ball and composed himself before snapping it through.
The performance proved to be the first step on what became his path towards a maiden All-Australian blazer.
