Nick Larkey earns North Melbourne’s fourth Rising Star nomination for 2019

He has all the ingredients to be a key pillar of North Melbourne’s forward line for years to come. Now, the rising star known as “Souvlarkey” has revealed his recipe for the perfect souva.

Nick Larkey celebrates kicking a goal against St Kilda. Picture: Getty Images

“Souvlarkey”.

If it’s not the AFL’s best nickname, then North Melbourne Rising Star Nick Larkey’s moniker is comfortably on the podium.

It gets better, however, with Larkey’s aunty and grandmother both named Sue.

One even has a middle name starting with “V”.

Not even joking.

Larkey, the Kangaroos’ fourth Rising Star nominee this season, after Bailey Scott (Round 1), housemate Cameron Zurhaar (Round 7), Tarryn Thomas (Round 12), hasn’t got a clue where it started, other than in high school, but Luke McDonald is to blame for it catching on.

Larkey is lucky, too, as he not only sees the funny side of the nickname, which doubles as the 21-year-old’s Instagram handle, because he gets to indulge in the meaty Greek treat.

“I’m still built like an extension cord,” Larkey deadpanned.

“I’m not on a restricted diet, if it’s got protein and carbs in it then I’ll be eating it.

“I love a souvlaki.”

Nick Larkey is the Rising Star for Round 16. Picture: Getty Images

Larkey’s approach to football is not dissimilar to that of carbs.

The humble Oakleigh Chargers product loves every second he gets to spend on the field and at Arden St.

Lamb gyros in Pita at Fetta's Greek Taverna. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

It is why 2018 Frosty Miller medallist, awarded to the VFL’s leading goal-kicker, and talented artist jumped at the chance to paint a mural at the club.

“It’s nice to have your mark left on the club really,” Larkey said of the giant Batman-inspired muscular Kangaroo painted on a prominent wall.

“I absolutely love the club, it was a good little way of giving something back, apart from my footy, a nice little mark to leave at the club.”

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Larkey has made a mark on the field, too, booting 17 goals in 10 games alongside Ben Brown and Mason Wood.

He bagged a career-high five last Sunday to sink St Kilda in Hobart off just seven kicks.

It’s been a slow burn for North and Larkey since recruiters took a punt on the 82kg beanpole in 2016 with pick No. 73 in the draft.

He played two senior games the following year and spent last season bulking up and learning his craft in the VFL.

“It looked like I came out of a fax machine (in juniors),” Larkey, now 96kg, said.

“It’s a work in progress.”