He's only been at North Melbourne for a couple of months, but Anthony Rocca is already playing a key mentoring role for emerging forward Nick Larkey. 

Now the Roos' key target in attack following the departure of Ben Brown, Larkey has had to concentrate on different areas of his development.

Former Swan and Magpie Rocca, playing a key role in his growth as a player. 

“I’ve been trying to layer my game, trying to get stronger and build my tank a little bit more,” he told the media on Thursday. 

“Anthony Rocca has been a real focus for us big blokes in our defenders, rucks and forwards.

“He’s been unreal for me to work off. I loved watching him play growing up, so to be able to work with him is amazing.

“He’s been teaching us his torpedo (punt) technique, so I might do a bit better outside 50 this year.” 

Larkey has previously worked more as an agile second target in the forward 50, but enjoyed some valuable experience as North's number one target when Brown was out injured late in 2020. 

He's enjoyed a strong pre-season and is ready to lead a new-look forward line, featuring plenty of speed with the likes of Jaidyn Stephenson, Tarryn Thomas and Curtis Taylor, and the versatility of great mate Cam Zurhaar.

With a new coaching group and a vastly different looking playing group, it will take time to adapt, but Larkey is confident the Roos can improve greatly in 2021. 

“We want to be aggressive with the ball,” Larkey said. 

“We took a heap of positives out of last week (practice match against St Kilda).

“It takes time to adjust to a new game plan … it’s a matter of execution, we’ve now narrowed it down and we are in a box seat to nail it this week.

“As a forward it’s going to be nicer, as the ball will be coming in quicker.”

The 22-year-old pumped to get started.

“I am feeling really good. I think I at the optimum level for this year, and I am excited to get going.”