Finn O’Sullivan: The Quiet Achiever Fueling North Melbourne’s Future
Finn O’Sullivan, the number two draft pick, has maintained a remarkably low profile during his debut season, a stark contrast to the media attention often lavished upon top draftees. Despite featuring in all but one game for the Kangaroos, O’Sullivan garnered a fraction of the headlines captured by his close mate and number one pick, Sam Lalor, who played 11 matches for Richmond. This understated approach suits the country lad from Koroit, a small rural town near Warrnambool, whose gentle drawl remains a testament to his upbringing.
O’Sullivan articulates his connection with the Kangaroos with a natural, flowing rhythm. “I feel like this club really suits me as a person,” he explains. “We fly below the radar a bit, so we just go about our business, but not in the spotlight too much.” This quiet existence, however, may soon be a thing of the past as four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson enters the fourth year of his five-year contract. With the pressure for wins mounting after a challenging period, O’Sullivan represents a crucial element in Clarkson’s long-term vision.
As a child, O’Sullivan barracked for the Hawks during Clarkson’s golden era, witnessing the coach transform country talents like Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Hodge, and Lance Franklin into AFL superstars. Now, at 19, O’Sullivan is poised to be a key figure in extending Clarkson’s tenure beyond 2027. He stands as the youngest of the Kangaroos’ formidable young core, a group comprising five players who were all top-four draft selections: Harry Sheezel (pick three, 2022), George Wardlaw (pick four, 2022), Colby McKercher (pick two, 2023), and Zane Duursma (pick four, 2023). This collection of talent represents the club’s future aspirations.
Transitioning to the Midfield: A New Frontier
In 2026, O’Sullivan is set to push into the midfield, aiming to showcase his renowned poise and running power. This move marks a significant step in his development, building on a successful first season where he established himself across half-back. His early performances have already hinted at a special talent, a key reason the Kangaroos prioritised him with their first pick despite external suggestions to address immediate needs for a key-position player. The club ultimately secured tall defender Matt Whitlock through a subsequent trade, demonstrating their commitment to O’Sullivan’s potential.
A Coach’s Perspective: Humility and Drive
Michael Barlow, the Kangaroos’ midfield coach, has worked closely with O’Sullivan, observing his rapid development firsthand. Barlow highlights O’Sullivan’s ideal blend of high-end speed and endurance, crucial attributes for the modern game. More importantly, Barlow points to O’Sullivan’s attitude as a driving force for lifting the team from the lower rungs of the ladder.
“He is very humble, respectful and hardworking,” Barlow remarks. “Because of his humility, he is probably naive to what his limit might be. But at the same time, he is so willing to learn, absorb coaching and take feedback and be a good teammate.”
A Team-First Mentality
O’Sullivan’s own words echo Barlow’s sentiments, underscoring his commitment to the collective. “I don’t dive too deep into the future or any accolades I want to achieve,” he states. “For me, it’s just about getting some wins on the board for the club.” This focus on team success is a recurring theme in his conversations. He relished the Kangaroos’ five wins last season and is eager to experience that feeling more frequently with his teammates.
“The connection is very tight. Everyone’s real close mates. Everyone wants to play for each other and get the best out of each other. We just have to show that on the field,” O’Sullivan elaborates. “We have got talent. It’s just more about playing for each other, playing freely and getting the job done.”
Unburdened by the weight of the club’s six consecutive seasons in the bottom three, O’Sullivan views his teammates as skilled, promising individuals with ample opportunity. He sees the more experienced players as invaluable sources of football knowledge.
Unlocking Potential: Running Power as a Weapon
Barlow is optimistic about O’Sullivan’s trajectory, noting that while his physical maturity is still developing, his running capacity is already elite. A key focus for O’Sullivan this season will be refining his decision-making – knowing when to distribute the ball and when to use his individual brilliance to influence a game. His running power, in particular, is a strength he aims to leverage.
“It’s something I want to use as a weapon,” O’Sullivan confirms. “I still have to train it and use it to my advantage because it will hopefully help my team.” The emphasis on “team” is a consistent refrain, a value reinforced by his living situation. He shares a house in Yarraville with his older brothers, Jack and Paddy, and former Bomber Luamon Lual.
Family Ties and a Familiar Coaching Style
Jack is currently on Carlton’s VFL list, while Paddy plays for Uni Blues in the VAFA. Finn had the unique experience of watching both his brothers play in a premiership together for Koroit in 2022, marking the club’s seventh consecutive premiership in the Hampden League. This familial connection provides a grounding influence, ensuring O’Sullivan remains down-to-earth. He cherishes the opportunity to live with his brothers again after his boarding school years.
“We have not been living together for a while. It’s an unbelievable feeling living with your brothers again,” O’Sullivan shares. At the Kangaroos, he feels a similar sense of camaraderie, a brotherhood fostered under Clarkson’s approachable, and at times avuncular, coaching style. Clarkson’s increased focus on one-on-one player interactions this pre-season has been particularly impactful.
“I feel like he’s a real personable guy, that’s one of his weapons as a coach. When you hear that feedback from him directly, it’s a real uplifter,” O’Sullivan says. While Clarkson’s coaching is universally respected, his penchant for creating player nicknames is less successful. “He tried something early but like all his nicknames, they don’t stick,” O’Sullivan, known as ‘Foss’, chuckles.
The Heart of a Footballer
In Finn O’Sullivan, the Kangaroos have unearthed a genuine footballer – someone who grew up immersed in sport, commands respect, and remains free from the superficial trappings of fame. Barlow witnessed O’Sullivan’s core values firsthand when his North Warrnambool team defeated Koroit in last year’s Hampden League grand final, a significant achievement after years of trying.
“He is humble and down to earth, but you can’t take Koroit out of the boy,” Barlow jokes. Despite O’Sullivan’s individual talent, he instinctively understands that football success is a collective endeavour, deeply rooted in team and community. It’s an ethos ingrained in him from his upbringing.
“A lot of people just expect it to click, and that’s just not the way it works. Just stick with us, coz, um, yeah, we’re trying our guts out,” he urges supporters.
