Mick Malthouse says Brad Scott would not have wanted Brent Harvey playing in the reserves

MICK Malthouse has backed North Melbourne’s bold decision to end the career of Brent Harvey, saying the senior coach always knows best.

Brad Scott and Brent Harvey at training this week. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MICK Malthouse has backed North Melbourne’s bold decision to end the career of Brent Harvey, saying the senior coach always knows best.

The Kangaroos this week shocked the football world by announcing the in-form games record holder wouldn’t continue at Arden St next year, while also retiring Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo.

Harvey has been among North’s best players in his 21st season, but Malthouse — the coaching record holder — said Kangaroos coach Brad Scott would have “read the tea leaves”.

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“No club or coach moves players out if he thinks they’re going to add value to his team. In this particular case Brad thinks he’s seen enough,” Malthouse said.

“He’s probably thinking, ‘You know what? I keep this guy for another year and I’m going to be the one dropping him’. That’s when it gets really ugly.”

Coach Brad Scott is putting North’s long-term future first. Picture: Hamish Blair

Malthouse said there was rarely a fairytale finish even for the greats of the game.

“With these guys, three of them being North players from day one, it was a massive decision to make knowing the pressure they would come under,” he said.

“Retirement is an ugly word when you’ve been around for as long as these guys. But I’ve always believed it’s better to go with a little bit left in the tank than to be totally drained.

“One of things I hated was when you have a great and he stays one year too long thinking about his form and playing in the seconds. You want that player to be remembered as a champion.

“I’ve been through it as a player, I’ve seen champions go one too many and I’ve seen players go one too many as a coach. I reckon I got better making sure that didn’t happen as time went on.”

Brent Harvey will finish North’s campaign before making a call on his future. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Harvey’s sudden axing has sparked calls for him to play-on at a rival club. Malthouse was reluctant to speak on Harvey’s behalf, but warned there would be “no favours” at another organisation.

“When you’re at a football club that you’ve been basically born and bred in, you’re going to get probably more favours on form and longevity,” he said.

“He may add value (elsewhere). No one would have been saying ‘We need Brent Harvey’, but now that he’s out they may be saying ‘We’ll top up with Brent Harvey’.”