Following his AFL debut towards the end of 2017, North Melbourne key-forward Nick Larkey is yet to put a foot wrong in the 2018 pre-season. 

After kicking his first senior goal in the JLT Series game against Melbourne in Hobart, the agile number 20 has looked deadly in front of the big sticks ever since. 

Kicking three goals against Williamstown in the practice match prior, Larkey produced his finest performance in the royal blue and white in Saturday’s practice match against Coburg.

Despite the wet and trying conditions for a big man, he was the focal point of the attack, kicking seven goals.

VFL Coach David Loader was one of many onlookers to be impressed with Larkey’s performance.

“Nick Larkey was fantastic up forward today, kicking seven goals, and he played a really pivotal role. He looked really dangerous when he could get separation,” Loader told North Media. 

“He certainly looked like he was capable of impacting the scoreboard every time he got one-on-one. He was clean overhead, and he kicked really well when kicking for goal.” 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Larkey, with the heavy morning rain creating some tough conditions early. 

“Early on it was really wet, and we didn’t think it would be a day for our tall forward line,” Larkey said. 

“It dried up a bit in the second half, and I was able to get on the end of a few, which was nice.” 

Despite experienced names such as Ben Brown and Jarrad Waite currently ahead of him for a key-forward position, Larkey’s impressive performances will surely have him in consideration for another appearance at AFL level sooner rather than later.