Sport
Shepparton draftee Matt Whitlock praised for competitive spirit at North Melbourne by Nick Larkey
Shepparton’s latest draft sensation is not afraid to ruffle some feathers as a newly-minted AFL player.
Matt Whitlock, who is into his third week at North Melbourne after being drafted by the Kangaroos at pick 27, has been turning heads with his confidence and ability on the training track.
He’s certainly not shy, according to a fellow tall.
North 100-gamer Nick Larkey lined up against the 18-year-old swingman during a match simulation earlier this week and Whitlock was sure to make his presence known against a player eight years his senior.
“I had a drill last week where I was about 100m from the ball and he was playing on me and I go to reset and he gives me a massive crack right in the back,” Larkey told AFL.com
“But I like it, that's what you want in training.”
Whitlock was the beneficiary of North Melbourne’s bold decision to give away the club’s 2025 first-round selection to gain pick 27.
And now, it appears he is literally prepared to give it a red-hot crack.
North Melbourne is hungry for success after five straight years of bottom or second bottom-placed finishes and, for experienced Kangaroos like Larkey, young, hungry players like Whitlock could be the difference.
“He’s obviously got some real good attributes, he's super athletic, agile, got a good leap on him and he's got a great build, so once he fills out he'll be a pretty big, strong, athletic player,” Larkey said.
“But what I love probably most is his competitiveness.”