Roo Harvey hits 400, still keen for more

North Melbourne veteran Brent Harvey plans to enjoy his 400th AFL game before sitting down to discuss his career with coach Brad Scott next week.

Harvey, 37, is keen to play on next year but is unsure if he remains in Scott’s plans for next season.

“I’ve always said that if my body’s good and my mind’s sound then I’m happy to go again (but) it’s not just up to me – it’s up to the football club and Brad,” Harvey said on Tuesday.

“It’s usually around this time of year that I sit down with him and go through a few things. This year’s probably no different.

“I’ll probably try to go over the 400 then go in next week, knock on his door and sit down with him and see what he’s thinking.”

Scott sensationally made Harvey the substitute for the first time in his career in the Roos’ round 15 clash against Geelong, with the coach displeased that the veteran had failed to fulfil his role in the side.

Speaking after the win against the Cats, Scott said that Harvey needed to provide him with evidence to back up his desire to play on.

The Kangaroos will wear a special guernsey, featuring Harvey’s nickname “Boomer”, when they take on Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

He said that there had been no discussion about missing the clash so that he could reach 400 games at Etihad Stadium and estimated about 75 close family and friends will fly to Brisbane to share his special occasion, which he hopes will not see him handed the sub’s vest again.

Harvey was joined by fellow members of the ‘400 club’ – Michael Tuck, Kevin Bartlett and Dustin Fletcher – for Tuesday’s press conference at Arden Street.

Tuck’s AFL games record of 426 would be within reach if Harvey did play on next year, but he said that wasn’t his motivation.

“If that happened it would be something that I would reflect on at the end of my career but I’m certainly not playing to break Tucky’s record,” he said.

“I’m playing for one reason and one reason only … that’s a premiership.”

The Hawthorn legend backed Harvey to extend his decorated career into a 21st season even if it meant losing his games record.

“I won’t be dirty on him but honestly I’ll be disappointed,” Tuck said.

“But he’s certainly playing well enough to keep going.”

Fletcher, who reached 400 games in round nine this season, advised Harvey to try to enjoy the occasion as much as he could and not let the pressure of the occasion get to him.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!