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AFL world reacts to bombshell decision to axe Kangaroos legend Brent Harvey

THERE was astonishment, anger and little understanding across the footy world after North Melbourne’s big call on Brent “Boomer” Harvey.

Tyson OttoTyson Otto
@tottodtsport
3 min read
August 24, 2016 - 6:36PM
Free agent.
Free agent.

NORTH Melbourne’s decision to axe club legend Boomer Harvey at the end of this season has been met with astonishment throughout the footy community.

Harvey was sensationally tapped on the shoulder by his club on Tuesday morning along with fellow stars Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito.

Roos coach Brad Scott attempted to justify the club’s shock decision on Wednesday, but fans, family members and footy legends all joined in the chorus of general bewilderment towards the club.

Here’s how the footy world reacted to the development that essentially makes Harvey one of the most unlikely free agents in the game.

THE COACH

Bomb dropped.
Bomb dropped.

Brad Scott said the decision to inform the axed quartet they were no longer required at the club was his hardest day in coaching.

“It’s a heartbreaking decision,” he said.

“I spoke to all four boys yesterday and it’s easily the hardest day of my coaching career.

“I can understand, I can empathise with the disappointment and the emotion that’s involved in this. To the boys’ credit to a man they all talked about while they were really disappointed they completely understand.

“I’m not ashamed to say I love these guys and if they were here in 2017, I’d play them. That would not be in our best interests.

“This is not a bombshell, there have been discussions over a period of time.”

He said he understands why North supporters would be furious about the brutal decision, but is adamant the call is in the club’s best interest.

The club originally planned on making a decision on the group’s futures after the final round of the regular season, but their collapse down the ladder and potential failure to play finals football forced the club into action in order to provide the players an opportunity to farewell the game.

The Kangaroos play Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

THE FATHER

Brent Harvey’s father Neil Harvey has revealed he thought the champion 38-year-old was “bulls****ing” when his son informed him North Melbourne were turning their back on him next season.

Neil Harvey told The Herald Sun his son has been left devastated by the news.

“I just found out, Boom just rang me,’’ he said.

“He said, ‘Me, Dal Santo, Drew and Spud are not playing next year’.

“I said, ‘Nah, stop bulls****ing’.

“He’s devastated, I’ve left just work and I’m devastated, I’m in shock.

“He didn’t tell me why, he’s going to call in tonight with the family and tell me everything.

“I just can’t believe it after Saturday’s performance against Sydney.’

“He told me he was feeling great and that age was only a number.”

THE LEGEND

Dermott Brereton at the Fox Footy studios.
Dermott Brereton at the Fox Footy studios.

HAWTHORN great Dermott Brereton says Brent Harvey was the only member of the North Melbourne outcasts capable of playing elite football in 2017.

Brereton told SEN, the Kangaroos have made a huge mistake not letting him play on for one more season.

“Harvey is the interesting one,” he said.

“I don’t think his body was failing him whatsoever.

“The more time he has spent out of the middle, the more his possession count has dropped a little bit, but he is still pacey and he still has his agility. I can’t see a flaw in his make-up.

“I can’t see why he wouldn’t give another season equal to his standard of this year.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

No surprises who the middle finger is for.
No surprises who the middle finger is for.

Speculation surrounding the futures of the four outcast North Melbourne stars erupted once the news spread throughout the footy community.

Originally published as AFL world reacts to bombshell decision to axe Kangaroos legend Brent Harvey

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-world-reacts-to-bombshell-decision-to-axe-kangaroos-legend-brent-harvey/news-story/a77e33a6e7ff5c14fb8053bcc9eee6d3