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Roo cull misses opportunity to continue Harvey's legacy as player-coach

Roar Guru
24th August, 2016
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The Kangaroos miised an open goal by not offering Brent Harvey a contract for 2017. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
24th August, 2016
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While North Melbourne were generally on the money (albeit not with the delivery) to not offer Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo deals going into next season, they missed the mark on the record-breaking Brent Harvey.

Love him or hate him, the 38-year-old’s statistics this season continue to defy logic.

With his 32 possession, three-goal performance against the ladder-leading Swans last Saturday, it is not as if Harvey is drifting into the sunset.

He has kicked 34 goals in 2016, equal with Lindsay Thomas and only four behind club leader Ben Brown. His is averaging 21 possessions a game and still tracking at 74 per cent efficiency.

Taking this story from a different angle, I am surprised that North did not look at using Brent Harvey in a ‘player-coach’ role from next year.

The benefits of this approach would be two-fold: Harvey could go out on his own terms, and also continue to influence the next generation Brad Scott is looking to bring in for 2017. Who knows, perhaps even into 2018.

In this respect, Harvey could be managed through the season while still having an active tactical role.

This has the potential to completely alienate Scott from the supporters, and splinter his playing group.

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From a list-management perspective, it also seems bizarre. It is not as if the North small-forward brigade is brimming with youth. Lindsay Thomas and the injury-prone Shaun Higgins will be 29 once the 2017 season rolls around, and Robin Nahas is not the answer.

Surely Harvey would still be of significant use in the forward 50 at a minimum, and a formal assistant-coach role could potentially redefine how clubs use their champion veterans.

Outgoing club President James Brayshaw yesterday invoked the ghosts of Terry Wallace past when he said the decision was made to build a five-year plan.

“The call is about the next five years, not about next year or even the next four games.”

This could be a significant tarnish on a solid legacy, where during his eight-year tenure, Brayshaw has almost eradicated North’s significant debt and set a more professional base at Arden Street. At least we will still hear Brayshaw commentate cricket on Channel Nine (sigh).

The final warning shot to the club is perhaps best encapsulated by Russell Jackson’s piece on Harvey late last month, in the week leading up to ‘Boomer’ breaking Michael Tuck’s record.

“He’s still being tagged. He’s still breaking those tags. The day opposition sides don’t bother with the tactic it might crush his spirit. To defeat Harvey is to wound North Melbourne’s chances.”

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North have missed a wonderful opportunity to continue acknowledging Harvey as crucial cog in the club, and transition him to an off-field role.

To a Roos fan, Harvey and Petrie are like those comfy old lounges you used to fall asleep on at your Nan’s house. It is a shame in the case of Harvey we bid adieu at least one year too soon.

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