North Melbourne’s Nick Larkey has come a long way since his debut back in 2017, with the 19-year-old stamping his claim as an integral member of North’s forward-line.
The key forward was given his chance back in Round 6 against Port Adelaide, and since then, has reaped the rewards of an extended period in the VFL.
“He’s been working on some things in the VFL and he got himself an opportunity by working hard and playing the way that we wanted him to so he could come back in,” Roos’ forwards coach Leigh Tudor told North Media.
“He’s done his apprenticeship now, he’s worked on the things that he’s needed to and proven that he can do it AFL level. He’s done that, now it’s up to him to do it every week and keep his spot.”
Larkey bagged three goals in his return game against the Power last month, and while he’s only hit the scoreboard once in his two games since, Tudor couldn’t be happier with his output.
“His work rate has been really good, he’s fitted into our structure and he’s working in with the other forwards well,” Tudor said.
“To have 13 score involvements last week is a pretty big stat for a forward to have.
“Obviously you want your forwards kicking goals, but if you’re setting them up when you’re not scoring, that’s just as good.
“Score involvements are just as important as who’s kicking them. If he can keep doing that, he’ll have a long career.”
The number 20 has come a long way in 2019 alone, having featured in the JLT Community Series earlier this year, and averaging just the goal and 8.5 disposals in the two outings.
That’s a stark contrast to his current form, which Tudor puts down to his new-found confidence.
“He’s (Larkey) just gone back and worked on the things that we wanted him to” he said.
“He gave himself an opportunity, and sometimes you just need to do it before you feel confident, but now he feels confident and ready to go.”
The challenge now for Larkey, is to maintain this level of performance.
“He’s had a couple of good games, but we want him to just keep presenting and playing like a key position player, and he’s doing that which has been good,” Tudor said.
“(Consistency) is the big one for everybody, and playing as a key forward is a hard role, so being strong in the air is really important.”
Larkey has been named in the 22 to take on Sydney at Blundstone Arena on Saturday night, where he’ll be hoping to continue his rich vein of form.
