FridayOL

North Melbourne's latest AFL Rising Star nominee, Finn O'Sullivan, is brimming with excitement for the future, even as he acknowledges the fierce competition for midfield spots. The young Roo is already feeling “a bit toey” about the prospect of battling alongside a talented group of players, and believes the club’s rebuild is poised for a significant breakthrough.

O'Sullivan's nomination for the Rising Star award is a testament to his impressive performances this season. He’s quickly become a fan favourite with his dynamic play and willingness to attack the contest. After being drafted with pick 25 in the 2023 AFL draft, he's demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, showcasing both skill and toughness on the field.

“It’s exciting, isn’t it?” O’Sullivan told AFL.com.au. “Looking at the midfield group, there’s a lot of talent there. You want to be a part of that, and you want to push them as well and learn from them.”

He's particularly impressed by the established stars within the North Melbourne midfield. “You look at guys like Luke Davies-Uniacke, Hugh Greenwood, Tarrant… they’re all really good players and they’re all really good people, too. They’re always willing to help out and give you advice.”

The rebuild at North Melbourne has been a long and challenging process, but O'Sullivan believes the club is finally on the cusp of success. “You can feel the change,” he said. “There’s a real energy around the club, and everyone’s working really hard. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

O’Sullivan's optimism extends to his own development. He’s eager to learn from the experienced players around him and to continue improving his game. He's focused on refining his skills, building his fitness, and becoming a more consistent contributor to the team.

“I’m just trying to learn as much as I can,” he explained. “Every day is a learning opportunity, and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of this club. I'm really looking forward to what the future holds. The club has invested heavily in young talent and a strong development program, and O'Sullivan is a prime beneficiary. He's part of a generation of players who are driving the club forward.

With his talent, work ethic, and positive attitude, Finn O'Sullivan is undoubtedly a player to watch. He represents the future of North Melbourne, and his journey is one that fans will be following with great interest. The competition for midfield spots will be intense, but O'Sullivan is ready to embrace the challenge and fight for his place in the side. His passion and dedication are clear, and he's determined to play his part in bringing success back to North Melbourne.