Nick Larkey is quietly building a reputation as one of North Melbourne’s most impressive young players, both on and off the field.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2019, playing 17 games and kicking 26 goals, earning him a Rising Star nomination in Round 16.
But it’s his impressive work away from the field that perhaps flies under the radar.
Larkey used the off-season to give back to the community via Red Dust, an organisation that encourages Indigenous youth to learn more about health and make healthy lifestyle choices.
“I heard about Red Dust through Jy (Simpkin) and JMac (Jamie Macmillan) who went last year, and they loved it,” the youngster told North Media.
“Froggy (Trent Dumont) asked me what I was doing over the break, and as I’d had just surgery I didn’t have much planned. He told me that there was a spare spot with Red Dust, so I took him up on it.
“It’s something that I’m passionate about anyway (community work), and I want to learn more about Indigenous culture.”
The experience was a thoroughly enjoyable, and rewarding one for Larkey.
“It was really good to be able to listen to them and understand things from their perspective,” he said.
“It was a real eye-opener, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
“I came back with more questions, but I’m now more informed. It’s easy to sit back from the city and say ‘This is what the remote communities need,’ but until you see it first-hand you don’t know what they need, or want.
“There’s a balance there between mixing both the Indigenous and Western cultures.
“I think it’s important for guys in our position (AFL players) to be able to give back. Sometimes giving time can be as, or more valuable than money.”
It’s been an eventful few months for Larkey, who also travelled to South Africa with his family over Christmas.
Now back at the club and with training in full swing, he’s ready for 2020.
“The forward line has a young and dynamic feel, and it’s exciting,” Larkey added.
“Browny (Ben Brown) is the leader down there, and he’s only just turned 27.
“Lachie Hosie is looking really good and dangerous, and Cam (Zurhaar) is looking sharp.
“I’m really excited to play with these guys and can’t wait to get back into it.”
