North Melbourne greats believe Brent Harvey should retire to fast-track young talent

NORTH Melbourne champion Brent Harvey should retire at season’s end to help fast-track the club’s youngsters, according to two Kangaroos’ greats.

Brent Harvey in action against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

NORTH Melbourne champion Brent Harvey should retire at season’s end to help fast-track the club’s youngsters, according to two Kangaroos’ greats.

Wayne Carey and Wayne Schwass said on Sunday the AFL’s games record-holder should finish up this season after 21 years in the game.

Schwass said the club would benefit if Waite and Petrie (both 33) and Harvey, 38, all retired this season.

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“The window is closed for the Kangaroos contesting another premiership in the next couple of years,” Schwass said on Triple M.

“It’s not so much about whether or not these players want to go on, for me, it should be more about what the club thinks is in the best interests of this organisation to get themselves into a position again, with some regeneration, some new players coming in.

“Boomer’s had a great career, he has played the most games ever. But is another season of football going to define Boomer Harvey’s career? No.

Brent Harvey leads North Melbourne off the MCG after losing to Hawthorn.

“Is a season of football for another kid coming through going to be important? Absolutely.”

Carey said Drew Petrie should also hang up the boots and rated Jarrad Waite a “50-50” chance of going on.

Carey said Harvey’s form this year had been strong but believed it was time to integrate more youth into the side.

“He (Harvey) didn’t have an impact (against Hawthorn) but that’s not to suggest he can’t have an impact for the rest of the year,” Carey said.

“He would be in their top-10 best and fairest no doubt about that.

Wayne Carey believes Drew Petrie could retire at the end of the season. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“It’s a question for them and whether they want to develop guys underneath.”

All three veterans are out of contract at season’s end, along with Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito and Daniel Wells.

The Roos have nine players 30 years of age or older and have the second-oldest list in the competition.

Leading player manager Scott Lucas this week said he believed North’s list was “cooked”.

The Kangas have to win at least one of their final two games against Sydney and GWS to guarantee a finals berth.