Brent Harvey announces his retirement from AFL football as he wants to remain a one-club player

NORTH Melbourne champion Brent Harvey has announced his retirement from AFL football at the Kangaroos best and fairest, citing the desire to remain a one-club player.

Brent Harvey says he wanted to remain a one-club player. Picture: Michael Klein

NORTH Melbourne champion Brent Harvey has announced his retirement from AFL football.

The VFL/AFL games record holder revealed his decision in an emotional speech at the Kangaroos best and fairest on Friday night.

Harvey received a standing ovation as he was called to the stage to deliver his final farewell and was cheered as he announced he would not pull on another club’s jumper in season 2017.

“I know there has been a lot of speculation about my future and I have wrestled with this decision since the day we were beaten by the Crows (in the elimination final),” he said told the guests at Peninsula on Central Pier.

“I think my footy is good enough to go on and the fact that I love my footy so much is why this has been such a tough decision.

Brent Harvey has announced his retirement. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I would like to tell everyone in this room tonight that my decision is not to pull on another team’s jumper.

“That is the reason why I would like to announce my retirement from AFL football.

“It has been an amazing journey and I am extremely privileged to have played one game for the North Melbourne Football Club, let alone play here for 21 years.

“I am extremely excited about the next phase of life with my family and I can’t wait for some new challenges.”

Harvey was told on the eve of the finals series his career at North Melbourne had come to an end, with coach Brad Scott confirming he would not be offered a contract for next season.

Harvey expressed his disappointment at not playing on next year at North, but flatly rejected any animosity towards the club or Scott.

“I know the direction that the football club needs to take and yes, I was sad at the start. Yes, I am sad now ... (but) I’m not angry,” Harvey said.

“I had good dialogue with the club for a four or five-week period (prior to being told about plans) and when I went to Brad’s office, to his credit, he told me.

“A lot of people have said (he) probably shouldn’t have, you should have held off, but that’s the relationship I’ve got with Brad, it’s based around honesty and I rate that. That’s the biggest thing I rate in Brad (is) his honesty and our relationship is as strong as ever.”

Brent Harvey says he wanted to remain a one-club player. Picture: Michael Klein

Fans vented their anger and frustration at the decision to end Harvey’s career as well as veterans Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo but the star urged them not to hold a grudge.

“Yes, I have been pretty solemn about it all, I guess that’s just my way of dealing with it,” Harvey said.

“I look forward to bringing my family down to watch the boys do their stuff each week.

“So to the members who said they won’t re-sign and get their memberships, let’s take a deep breath and remember the Shinboner spirit.

“Our club needs your support more than ever. Let’s stick together and enjoy a huge 2017.”

Harvey retires a one-club champion, having played 432 career games, the most of any player in VFL/AFL history.
He stopped short of confirming speculation that he was set to play with his brother, Shane, next year at North Heidelberg.

“I always said I’d play with my brother, whether that’s a full year or it’s one game or two games,” Harvey said.

“I don’t know ... I’m going to line up some work in whatever I want to do and if the stars align, yes I’ll play, but I might be commentating or I might be working so if that happens I’ve got to look after the family first and (playing) footy now will take a back seat.”

Read more: Harvey and Fletcher to light up footy field in EJ Whitten Legends Game 

Originally published as Brent Harvey announces his retirement from AFL football as he wants to remain a one-club player