North Melbourne has welcomed a host of potential future stars to Arden St as part of the club’s Father Son Academy.
Familiar names returned to North Melbourne, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the club, as well as being taken through a skills session alongside the Roos’ current playing list.
Jackson Archer, Cooper Harvey, Mitchell Larkin, Thomas and Billy Longmire, Jai, Dylan and Ryder Makepeace, Lucas McCartney, Byron Pickett Jnr, James Rock, Darby Scott and River Stevens were all at Arden St on Wednesday.
Coach Brad Scott presented the up-and-coming stars with a North jumper featuring the numbers their fathers made famous during their time in royal blue and white.
There were a handful of players missing from today’s session, but all with handy excuses. Joel Crocker, Nick Blakey and Bailey Scott are currently taking part in the Under 16 Championships, with the trio already impressing in the tournament.
“Both Blakey and Scott, along with Joel Crocker (son of Darren) are in our Father-Son program, which is run by Mark Finnigan and formerly Brady Rawlings,” North National Recruiting Manager Bryce Lewis told AFL.com.au.
“As they get older, the AFL rules permit you having more access to them. Football commitments and school commitments permitting, we’d be looking to get them in to do more with them at the club, similar to the National Academy kids who spend a week or two at AFL clubs.
“To think that those two boys (Scott + Blakey) could possibly be playing for North Melbourne in 18 months is very exciting.”
The boys listen intently to coach Brad Scott.
Jackson Archer.
Byron Pickett Jr.
Cooper Harvey.
River Stevens.
Advice from the coaches.
Jackson Archer.
Quick hands.
Cooper Harvey.
Thomas Longmire.
Billy Longmire.
Dylan Makepeace.
James Rock.
Darby Scott.
Brad Scott with River Stevens.
