Harvey ready to play the game

VETERAN Brent Harvey says he embraced a first-ever start in the North Melbourne substitute’s vest, while acknowledging it was in part a punishment for not following coach Brad Scott’s instructions.

In his 398th AFL match, Harvey had 14 possessions after entering the fray in the second half of the Kangaroos’ impressive 41-point win over Geelong on Saturday night.

He wants to play on next year — when Michael Tuck’s all-time games record of 426 will be potentially within reach.

Scott said he and Harvey spoke regularly about whether he should push on for a 21st AFL campaign in 2016.

“I’m all about evidence and if he provides the evidence, he should go on,” Scott said.

The Kangaroos coach said there had been several times this year when Harvey had not followed his orders, which led to the decision to start him in the green vest against the Cats.

“We had a pretty honest and frank conversation — I mean, we have a great relationship and we talk all the time,” said Scott.

“It was a pretty simple coach-player conversation.

“While being the sub wasn’t a punishment, he needed to know if he’s not going to listen to my words, he might listen to my actions.” Harvey said he got the message.

“The conversations I had with Brad during the week was when things aren’t going right for our team I probably try too hard,” he told Channel Seven. “Lindsay Thomas was dropped during the week and I was made the sub.

“Like [Scott] said, it wasn’t a punishment, but it half is.

“We spoke about me playing my role regardless of the scoreboard.’’