THE DECISION to axe AFL games record-holder Brent Harvey might have been unpopular but coach Brad Scott says making tough decisions is leadership.
After being outclassed by fellow finalist Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night, Scott launched a passionate defence of the Kangaroos' list management process.
Harvey, fellow Kangaroos stalwarts Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito and 320-game midfielder Nick Dal Santo were told during the week they would not be offered new contracts beyond 2016.
Scott had born the brunt of supporter criticism for the decision but said it was not for him to judge if he had been treated unfairly.
"I've got a job to do and sometimes it's a tough job," Scott said. "It's a job where you're going to have some people agree and disagree, and that's leadership.
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"Leadership is making decisions that are not popular. Making the hard decision instead of the easy decision.
"One thing I love about our football club is the passion is unrivalled. That passion can bubble over at times, but I tell you what, I'd rather have the passion, I'd rather have the love for the club.
"There's massive passion for our footy club and I love that about North."
Harvey was embraced by supporters on Saturday night as he racked up 25 possessions, two goals and a team-high seven inside 50s, leading the team off the ground in what could be his last game on Victorian soil.
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"He played as he always does. He played his heart out," Scott said.
"He is one person who still delivers the ball inside 50 as well as anyone in the game.
"All four, 'Boomer' included, have been absolutely exceptional … exceptional in my dealings with them, in their dealings with their teammates, in their professionalism, and in their will to have the team focus on what's important.
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"They've had a team-first attitude as they always have and my major concern for those four boys is their legacies at our football club and hopefully the next month of footy starting in two weeks time."
The Kangaroos, who lost by 36 points, have now lost their past nine games against fellow finalists this year, scoring an average of just 67 points in those clashes. They have won just two of their past 11 games.
Sitting eighth and three wins behind the seventh-placed Western Bulldogs before they face Fremantle on Sunday, Scott said the ladder was a fair reflection of the gap between his team and the rest. However, it was time to reset.
"The qualification period is over. Really it is inconsequential what the ladder says right now," he said.
"With the [bye] system we have in place now every team has a chance to reset and recover physically and mentally.
"It's a new season and it starts in two weeks. That's what our focus is."
The Kangaroos will face the Crows in Adelaide in their elimination final if Hawthorn beats Collingwood on Sunday, or West Coast in Perth if there is an upset at the MCG.
Scott said Jamie Macmillan (hip) would be available for that match, while Ben Jacobs (foot), Sam Wright (ankle) would push strong cases.
Important forward Jarrad Waite (hip) and key defender Scott Thompson (groin) appear likely to return
