Footy smarts start in the meeting rooM
The great Robert Harvey may have retired a year too soon, but his midfield is in great hands writes NATHAN BURKE.
POOR Robert Harvey. He toils away with the Saints for 20-odd seasons without tasting the ultimate glory and look what happens when he steps away!
The Saints have 12 on the trot and have finally put themselves in great position for a tilt at the flag. You’d think he’d be kicking himself for giving it away one season too soon.
But how does the man himself feel about this?
He is absolutely fine, as you would be hard pressed to meet a more pragmatic man than R Harvey.
The year after I retired, the Saints went on to win 10 in a row, then lose a prelim by six points.
Was I bitter about missing out? No. The fact is, like Robert, I had my shot and wasn’t good enough.
It’s this group’s turn now and if they do go all the way Robert will be as excited as anyone.
Even if he is wearing Carlton colours at the moment, he knows deep down that he has had an enormous influence on the players who now drive the club, and that should fill him with great pride.
Particularly the midfield players like Hayes, Ball, Montagna, Dal Santo and Goddard. Each of these guys can, and I’m sure do, think themselves extremely lucky to have spent their formative years under his influence.
Each of the new generation of Saints took a different path to where they are now.
Some came in as prized early draft picks, others have toiled through harder times and had to fight for recognition. They have all finally reached elite status in this game and it’s worth looking back on how they got here.











