Cooper Harvey will follow in his famous father’s footsteps when he makes his AFL debut on Sunday afternoon against the Geelong Cats.
Harvey was taken from the Northern Knights with pick No.56 in the 2022 AFL Draft and has averaged 13 disposals and kicked 20 goals across 11 games at VFL level this season, including a five-goal haul against Williamstown last weekend.
The 18-year-old is currently one of four father-sons on North Melbourne’s list, alongside Luke McDonald (son of Donald), Bailey Scott (son of Robert) and Jackson Archer (son of Glenn).
His father Brent played 432 games for North Melbourne from 1996 to 2016, setting the AFL/VFL all-time games record in the process.
A five-time Syd Barker Medal winner (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010), four-time All-Australian (2000, 2005, 2007, 2008), 1999 premiership player, member of North Melbourne’s Team of the Century and former captain (2009-11), Harvey is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
He is currently a development coach at the club and was on hand to tell his son that he would be playing his first senior game this weekend.
Harvey will be the club’s fourth AFL debutant this season, joining Harry Sheezel (Round 1), Blake Drury (Round 8) and George Wardlaw (Round 10).
North Melbourne’s full squad for Round 17 will be revealed tonight at 6.20pm.
