North Melbourne skipper Nick Larkey has dropped a truth bomb on his club’s slow rebuild.
Larkey, 27, understands why long-suffering Kangaroos supporters are impatient, after the AFL club failed to qualify for the finals for a ninth consecutive season last year.
The Roos finished 2025 with just four wins, as pressure builds on coach Alastair Clarkson, who is entering his fourth season in charge.
‘Our fans have every right to be impatient, the rebuild has taken too long, to be frank,’ Larkey told Triple M.
‘The players are impatient. We want to prove to the fans there is some promise and genuine improvement.’
North Melbourne’s skipper insists he sees a lot of potential at the club.
North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey (pictured) has been vocal about his expectations in 2026
Larkey understands why long-suffering Kangaroos supporters are impatient, after the club failed to qualify for the finals for a ninth consecutive season in 2025
‘Internally, we felt like we did improve last year as a team, but it didn’t equate to the wins we wanted,’ Larkey added.
‘It’s hard to keep telling yourself you are improving when you see the win-loss [record].
‘This year is about building again and taking a big leap. Stick with us.’
Larkey’s fighting words were echoed by the club’s president Sonja Hood.
‘We aren’t starting over anymore. The foundations are well and truly laid,’ a statement read.
‘We’ve focused on the ‘build’ and ‘process’ for long enough. Now the conversation, and critically our performances, must shift.
‘As Alastair Clarkson enters his fourth season, he’s supported by a coaching, medical, and high-performance team that has found its rhythm.’
North Melbourne take on Port Adelaide to open their 2026 campaign at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 15.
