Brad Scott cited the need to get games into the Kangaroos’ young kids as one of the main reasons for not offering Brent Harvey a contract.
The problem is North hasn’t got any kids that can sufficiently replace Harvey.
Champion Data lists Harvey as a ‘general forward’. Out of the Kangaroos’ 19-23 age profile, only two players fall under this category: Taylor Garner and Kayne Turner. Jed Anderson and Ryan Clarke could potentially fill the void, but both are more suited to the midfield, rather than a half-forward role.
It’s a big hole to fill for a pair of players who have only played a combined five senior games this season.
Garner has battled chronic hamstring issues throughout his career.
The 15th pick in the 2012 draft had his entire 2014 season wiped out with a hamstring injury, which carried onto the first half of 2015. Garner has only played five games this year – three in the seniors and two in the reserves – with his hamstring holding him out of the other 17 outings.
When he plays, Garner has shown he can make a difference. His forward pressure is immense and as he showed in the first half against Richmond in last year’s elimination final, Garner isn’t afraid of the big stage.
In his first prolonged stint in the AFL, Garner rated above average for forward half pressure points and tackles, which is a positive.
However, Garner’s kicking efficiency and scoreboard impact is average at best, which is a problem, as those two attributes are some of Harvey’s strengths.
Turner is also battling with a bum hamstring, as it has kept him out of 15 games this season.
The lively forward applies manic pressure, as he recorded the second-best tackle efficiency rating at North Melbourne last season, excluding ruckman.
Turner is also efficient in front of goals. The 2014 rookie elevation has booted 8.1 from set shots in his first two AFL seasons. However, despite his accuracy, Turner averaged just 0.6 goals last season, a below average mark.
His 1.4 score assists average in last year’s finals series shows Turner is as much a provider as scorer in the forward line, a trait that will assist him in replacing Harvey’s role.
Like the issues surrounding Garner, though, Turner is an unreliable asset due to his injury troubles.
Booting Harvey, for two injured soldiers, isn’t a wise move.
Getting Garner and Turner healthy should be North’s first concern, before worrying about giving them experience.
Even if the duo weren’t hurt, though, the choice not to renew Harvey’s contract is baffling.
Harvey has been proficient for the Roos this season, being one of only three general forwards to average at least 20 possessions and 1.5 goals (Steven Motlop and Toby Greene.)
Furthermore, Harvey ranks as the 26th-most-impactful player in the competition over the last 40 games, according to Champion Data.
He remains North’s most damaging player with the footy, as only Taylor Walker has a better inside 50 kick than Harvey. Since 1999, Harvey has hit a target with 33.1 per cent of his kicks inside 50, the highest rate in the league.
The modern game is built for older players to survive. With advanced recovery mechanisms, sport science and elite facilities, age is becoming just a number, and not an indication of if a player is slowing down.
Harvey was proof of this and he clearly has too much to give to the game to retire.
It will be a painful exercise for the Roos to watch one of their favourite sons run around in a different jumper, especially if they can’t get his replacements on the field.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
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