North Melbourne’s first win in 232 days could have longer lasting repercussions as the players lap up massive victory over Melbourne

North Melbourne players know one win, as big as it was, doesn’t make a season, but taking down Melbourne could prove the catalyst to keep hold of a star.

Even the little things, like handing out footballs to kids in the crowd, drew big smiles from North Melbourne players, including Nick Larkey, who said he could “see what all the hype is about” as he and his teammates lapped up a significant win.

It had been 232 days since the Kangaroos’ theme song rang out after a game, Sunday’s victory over Melbourne just the fourth in the past 26 game, a period that included losing 11 straight to start 2024.

Larkey, who kicked three goals in the 59-point win, North Melbourne’s biggest since round 8, 2020, said it was also “validation” not for his decision to sign a monster contract extension but for the hard work done.

The star forward also said it “wouldn’t hurt” in trying to convince superstar teammate Luke Davies-Uniake, who will be a free agent at the end of 2025, to do the same thing after seeing the Kangaroos finally “put the foot down” and monster an opponent.

“It was a special afternoon. A lot of validation for hard work and super satisfying being able to finish off the game like that,” Larkey said on Monday after the players had a “few drinks” to celebrate on Sunday night, the win coming in veteran recruit Jack Darling’s 300th game.

Jack Darling celebrates after his 300th match. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“But it was just great to see everyone smiling, the players, fans, coaches, staff, our families, a great feeling in the rooms, one we haven’t had too much of.

“You come off the ground, and even handing out the footies to the kids in the crowd, doing that half lap, getting around the fans who have been there for years when it’s been tough.

“Then you go down the race, everyone is cheering you ... you can feel the energy. It’s a good feeling, winning, we haven’t had much do it, but I can see what all the hype is about.”

The Kangaroos have only won 16 games since the start of the 2020 season, but it was the nature of the win, which Larkey called “emphatic”, that impressed most.

But he dismissed a suggestion it could be a “turning point” because consistency was what North was after, and while it was extremely satisfying, it was only “one win”.

“I feel like, it’s just great validation, but I wouldn’t say it’s the pivotal moment that has turned the entire club,” he said.

“It was just a super satisfying win and we have to make it a regularity.

“We enjoyed it, lapped it up for what it was .. all the hard work coming to fruition.

“But we are under no illusions that it’s one win, and we’ve got the Crows who are in some red-hot form.”

Originally published as North Melbourne’s first win in 232 days could have longer lasting repercussions as the players lap up massive victory over Melbourne