North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke must find more urgency in his game when he doesn’t have the ball, according to Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy.
Groin and shoulder injuries have restricted Davies-Uniacke to 30 games in three years, but the 21-year-old looks poised for an improved 2021 after a dynamic performance in a recent intra-club match.
Healy, who has worked with Davies-Uniacke over the last 12 months, says the talented Roo has improved his fitness base during the pre-season.
“He needed to because his tank was nowhere near good enough,” the former Swan and Demon told Sportsday.
“Like a lot of kids that go from a poor base to building a base, he got injured, we know he’s had some issues with his groins.
“I’m told that he’s over that and he’s training really well.
“I find that he needs to get a lot more urgency in his game. He’s fantastic with the ball, with the ball in his hand he’s really exciting.
“He can do really good things, he’s got a great highlights reel and he’s going to get even better, but when the ball leaves the area, he’s got to find another gear – he’s a bit of a plodder.
“I’d like to see him get more power into his running – both forward and back.”
Davies-Uniacke was selected by North Melbourne with pick No.4 in the 2017 draft.