North Heidelberg’s preliminary final loss Brent Harvey’s last game as coach

For the second year straight North Heidelberg’s season ends at the penultimate hurdle against West Preston-Lakeside as an expanded role at North Melbourne sees Brent Harvey hand over the coaching reins.

Brent Harvey in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: Nathan William Media

Brent Harvey’s coaching stint at North Heidelberg came to an end on Sunday.

For the second year in a row the Bulldogs fell to West Preston-Lakeside in the NFL Division 1 preliminary final, going down by 12 points at Preston City Oval.

An expanding role at North Melbourne will see Harvey hand over the coaching reins for 2020, with his replacement already signed.

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The club is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming days.

Bulldogs president Warren Haysom praised Harvey’s commitment to the club after taking over the role at late notice following Jimmy House’s decision to step down in January.

“He’s been superb for us on and off field and he’ll still have a playing role with the club next season,” he said.

Brent Harvey in action for North Heidelberg.

“It’s been a discussion since Round 11 or 12, so we’re well underway with our plans for next season.”

The Bulldogs limped into the preliminary final with a host of players looking on from the sidelines, while Harvey had to overcome a groin injury to play a key role.

Spearhead Shane Harvey, star defender Ryan McGhie, Morgan Persson-Clark, Jack Jones and Jack Mapleson were all missing from the best 22.

With his team down by 24 points in the second quarter, Jesse Tardio almost single-handedly lifted North Heidelberg back into the game with some inspired play, while Shane Biggs, Mitch Dillon and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly also impressed.

Dogs captain Daniel Bramich said the playing group was hurting after the 11.6 (72) to 8.12 (60) loss but was confident it would bounce back.

“It’s disappointing, we didn’t really take our opportunities,” he said.

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly juggles a mark for North Heidelberg. Picture: David Crosling

Shane Biggs in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: David Crosling

Michael Florance in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: David Crosling

“Undisciplined things cost us a few (goals), 50m penalties made it too easy … but we’ll reload and go again next year.”

Haysom said the club was on the right track but needed to plan for the future as well as success in 2020.

“We’re not far off, we’ve finished third two years in a row, so we’ve made our mark in Div 1, we just need to consolidate,” he said.

“We’ve got some unfinished business (in 2020).

“It’s very tough in Division 1, you take your eye off the ball for five seconds and you don’t even finish in the top five, it’s that even between second and ninth.”

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