Brent Harvey has broken his silence following his axing from North Melbourne yesterday, sharing the following message via his Instagram account.
Harvey, along with fellow veterans Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito were told by the club yesterday that they will not be offered new contracts for 2017.
Right now, I feel a bit flat and sad because I wonโt be playing at North Melbourne next year. But that was always going to be the case no matter when my career at Arden Street ended. I know there are a lot of angry and disappointed fans out there and I love you all for your passion and care for me in this situation. But I need you all to know that Iโm ok with whatโs happened. Itโs okay to feel upset, Brad and those in charge had a tough decision to make. Iโm not angry at them about it at all, and have been in footy long enough to understand how it all works and that no individual is ever, bigger than the club. More than anything, I appreciate Bradโs honesty because I put him in a difficult situation when I asked to know where I stood. He did the right thing and told us all the truth. I was given the opportunity, along with Drewy, Spud and Dal, to speak to the media yesterday but physically couldnโt. I would have broken down and didnโt want to do that. I want to be clear that is wasnโt because we were angry, like some people are suggesting. When the time is right, I will speak but Iโm not sure when that will be. While this is hard for all of us, itโs important that we donโt lose sight of whatโs in front of us. Finals are just around the corner and rest assured, we will do everything we can to win. Weโd all like nothing more than to go out on a high. As for my future, well this has all happened so fast and I havenโt had a chance to consider whatโs next. After the season, I will weigh everything up with my family and manager. Thanks for all your support in whatโs been a tough few days. Youโre the best supporters in the AFL and I urge you to stand by the club because the future will be exciting. Iโll never forget what an absolute privilege its been to play for this amazing club for 21 years. Go Roos! Boomer
A photo posted by Brent Harvey (@boomer.29) on Aug 24, 2016 at 7:27pm PDT
This is discrimination on the basis of age