Brent Harvey’s family in shock after North Melbourne calls time on champion’s career

BRENT Harvey’s father says his son and entire family are devastated by North Melbourne’s decision to sack the VFL/AFL games record-holder.

Brent Harvey and his father Neil after the Kangaroos legend’s record-breaking game.

BRENT Harvey’s father says the family is devastated by North Melbourne’s decision to sack the games record-holder.

Neil Harvey took a phone call from his son just 30 minutes before coach Brad Scott fronted the media and revealed four veterans — Harvey, Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito and Drew Petrie — would not be playing for the Kangaroos in 2017.

“I just found out, Boom just rang me,’’ a stunned Neil told the Herald Sun.

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

“I said, ‘Nah, stop bulls----ing’.

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

Neil Harvey and Brent Harvey after a win in 2013. Picture: Colleen Petch

“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.’’

Harvey, 38, was close to best afield against the Swans on Saturday and finished with 32 disposals and three goals.

“He told me he was feeling great and that age was only a number,’’ Neil said.

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Neil said he had already been contacted by a member of the cheer squad about signing a petition to keep Harvey at the club in 2017.

Harvey said it would not help his son and he wouldn’t get involved.

“He’s going to be hard to replace,’’ Neil said.