North Melbourne’s Riley Hardeman looking to bed down spot in senior side in second season at AFL level

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North Melbourne’s Riley Hardeman looking to bed down spot in senior side in second season at AFL level

North Melbourne’s Riley Hardeman has a clear goal in mind for his second season at AFL level — establishing himself in the Kangaroos’ senior side.

Drafted by the club with the 23rd pick of 2023’s draft after earning under-18 All *********** honours, the rebounding defender made his AFL debut in round seven and went on to play three senior games in his first season.

The Swan Districts product will be looking to continue an impressive preseason and press his claims for a round one berth when the Kangaroos take on West Coast in a preseason game at Bunbury’s Hands Oval tomorrow.

The 20-year-old said he was now fully settled at the club after an “absolute whirlwind” first year.

“I’ve got a bit of consistency and a bit of routine established now,” Hardeman said.

“Being able to come into the club in my second year and really know what to expect has been really nice for me.

“Last year I was more focused on building my body, adapting to AFL level, and then also working on the defensive aspects of my game, but now I’m really honing in on the craft of run and rebound and really generating some drive off half-back.

“I’m not so focused on round one, but (I’m) really trying to establish myself in the side, use my strengths to really crack in and hold a position.”

Camera IconNorth Melbourne in Bunbury. Credit: Amber Lilley/South Western Times

Much of the attention on North Melbourne’s off-season recruiting has focused on premiership Eagle Jack Darling and former Sydney captain Luke Parker but Western Bulldogs defender Caleb Daniel also joined the club on deadline day of the trade *******.

Hardeman said the 192-game Bulldog would add a new dimension to the club’s back half.

“He’s been a huge asset to us, not only as a team but to me personally as well,” he said.

“Obviously he’s had 10-plus years experience, won a flag in 2016 and nearly did it again in 2021, so there’s definitely a lot to learn off him.

“He’s been really good for me personally, especially in the kicking side, he’s such an elite kick. It’s really good to have him and tap into his mind.”

One of eight WA products currently at the Kangaroos, Hardeman said he was delighted when he learned the club would be playing two home games in his home State, including one in Bunbury, for each of the next three years.

“I just love being back in WA, but to be here in Bunbury, it’s a great part of the world,” he said.

“It’s good that we get to go down here into a more local space and really give back to a community I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of.

“(Hands Oval’s) in very good nick, from what I’m looking at. The boys aren’t used to a ground as wide as this one, but that’s how they come in Western Australia. It’ll be good to run around out there on the wings.”

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