It’s not everyday that your father gets to break the news that you’ll be making your AFL debut, let alone at the same club he played a league record 432 games for.
But that was the case for North Melbourne youngster Cooper Harvey, son of club and AFL champion, Brent, who was told by his dad that he’d been selected to face Geelong on Sunday.
And there’s not many hugs that hold as much weight as theirs’ did.
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A speechless Cooper was notified at North Melbourne training on Thursday by his very own dad, Brent, in a private and emotional moment off the track.
“You have to train well today,” Brent said.
“Just make sure you train well, because you’re going to play this week.”
Eighteen-year-old Cooper was picked up from the Northern Knights with at No.56 in the 2022 AFL Draft, joining North Melbourne under the father-son rule.
His selection in the senior side comes after a stellar VFL performance that saw him boot five goals against Williamstown.
His father, a five-time Syd Barker medallist and four-time All Australian, held back tears as he spoke to his son.
“It’s a long time coming, but it’s good, an opportunity,” Brent said.
“Just go do what you do.”
After the session, Brent, a development coach at his old club, made the announcement to the broader playing group, met with cheers and hugs for Cooper from excited teammates.
“It means a fair bit to me,” the emotional dad said on Thursday.
Interim coach Brett Ratten then joined in on stage, highlighting how important this debut is for the club and its history.
“This is what it’s really about, the journey of people,” Ratten said on Thursday.
He praised Harvey Jnr’s work ethic, highlighting his growth at VFL level, where he has been averaging 13 disposals and kicked 20 goals in just 11 games.
“You virtually said to us ‘you’ve got to play me’ and you did it through persistence,” Ratten said.
“That’s what footy is about. These are the great stories.”
But the hard work has only begun, Ratten preached, urging the youngster to elevate his game to the next level.
“Now your opportunity is how do you stay there? How do you make this a regular spot for you to be in? That’s your next challenge.”
Harvey is the Kangaroos’ fourth debutant of the 2023 season, following in the footsteps of Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw and Blake Drury.
The Kangaroos travel down the highway to GMHBA Stadium to face reigning premiers Geelong on Sunday.
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