“Genuine star”: What separates Nick Larkey from the other gun key forwards in the AFL

Nick Larkey deserves huge credit for North Melbourne’s first win of the season which came in the 65-74 result against West Coast in Perth on Saturday.

The key forward was dominant for the Roos, kicking a bag of five goals to go with 15 disposals, six marks and four tackles.

Kane Cornes pointed out that Larkey’s big performances often result in wins for the Kangaroos as he’s booted 24 goals in North’s last four wins.

He pondered just how good the 2023 All-Australian could be if he was playing in a top side with quality service.

“Look at his record in wins (24 goals in North Melbourne’s last four victories). Imagine if he played in a good side,” Cornes said on AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.

“What he did last year as an All-Australian in a team that’s as poor as North Melbourne (was great).

“In the last five wins, he’s kicked five, nine, four and six goals.”

It’s not just Larkey’s scoreboard impact that impresses though, with Cornes hailing the big Roo for his second efforts and willingness to stay in the contest until the ball is dead.

After kicking just two goals from the last three games, Cornes was glad to see the 26-year-old get some better service which allowed him to have a huge impact on the game.

“I just love his second efforts,” Cornes said.

“If he doesn’t mark it he just never gives up on the play, that’s what I think separates him from the other better forwards in the game.

“If he drops it he gets straight back up, he never gives up on a play and always stays involved.

“Credit to him, it has been a little bit lean for him in the last few weeks (in terms of scoreboard return) and you can understand why with the performance from his side.

“But today (Saturday) he got some better service … he is clutch.

“He is a genuine star of this game.”

Larkey will hope to keep his good form going when North Melbourne face Collingwood at Marvel Stadium next Sunday.