Nick Larkey

Nick Larkey was born on June 6, 1998. His junior football career included playing for Hawthorn Citizens and Kew Comets in the YJFL before progressing to the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup. He was drafted by the North Melbourne Football Club with the 73rd overall pick in the 2016 AFL Draft, a selection that proved to be highly valuable for the club. Larkey made his AFL debut in Round 18 of the 2017 season against Essendon at Docklands Stadium.

After spending time in the VFL, Larkey established himself as a prominent player in the North Melbourne side, becoming a mainstay in 2019. In 2018, he won the VFL’s leading goal-kicker award, the Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal, by kicking 41 goals in 17 matches for the North Melbourne reserves team. He received a 2019 AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 16 for a five-goal performance against St Kilda. Following an injury-affected 2020 season, Larkey consistently led the Roos’ goalkicking in subsequent seasons.

Larkey’s career progression saw him replace Ben Brown as North Melbourne’s key forward in 2021, leading the team with 42 goals. He continued this performance with 38 goals in 2022 and had a career-best year in 2023, booting 73 goals and earning All-Australian selection. His strong form was recognized with a five-year contract extension until 2029 and his elevation to the vice-captaincy. In 2024, he maintained his consistent performance, kicking 46 goals, his second-highest season tally, and reached triple figures for AFL appearances in Round 6 against Hawthorn.