North Melbourne selected Finn O'Sullivan with the club's first pick at Wednesday night's Telstra AFL Draft, No.2 overall. Here are five things to know about our newest Kangaroo. 

1. He has shades of 'LDU'

The classy midfielder out of the Oakleigh Chargers is explosive, evasive and crafty around stoppages – all traits you could use to describe North Melbourne's reigning Syd Barker medallist, Luke Davies-Uniacke. Like 'LDU', O'Sullivan has the capacity to find the contested ball or get on the end of a handball and break out of congestion untouched.

2. He's a high-impact player, and he's ready to go

While his statistical averages may not jump off the page, it's O'Sullivan's ability to take a game by the throat that has seen him rated among the very best prospects in a strong draft pool. With his raw talent and smart decision-making, he can break a game open without gathering mass disposals. "He's not a stats man, he's an impact man, so he's going to be able to play from next year and he's pretty exciting," North Melbourne national recruiting and retention manager Will Thursfield told AFL.com.au's Gettable.

3. He's used to mixing it with bigger bodies

While a a thumb and finger injury interrupted his draft season, O'Sullivan dazzled for Vic Country as an under-age player the previous year, landing a spot in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian Team. Using his speed and endurance combination effectively, the Chargers product – playing alongside future North Melbourne teammate Zane Duursma – racked up 20 touches in each of his team's wins over Western Australia and Vic Metro.

In his draft year, O'Sullivan also earned the opportunity to showcase his talents against senior bodies at state league level, representing Richmond in the VFL. In his only appearance for the campaign, the midfielder booted two goals and had six total score involvements from his 12 touches against Sandringham, in what became an eye-catching cameo.

4. He comes from strong footballing stock

Finn isn't the first member of his family to reach footy's highest level. His father Nick, who he credits as a huge influence, was on North Melbourne's list, although he never managed a senior game. Remarkably, Finn isn't even the member of his extended family who has been selected with the highest AFL draft pick. His second cousin is Carlton star Sam Walsh, who the Blues took with the No.1 pick in 2019.  

5. He's hugely versatile

'Well-rounded' has been a common description of O'Sullivan in the build-up to the draft. The young gun uses his leap to take strong grabs overhead, can penetrate with his kick and is proficient on the inside and outside of the contest. He thrived as an onballer throughout his junior years, but with his versatile skillset and natural goal sense, it's no surprise Thursfield believes the draftee "can play anywhere on the ground".