Brent Harvey has taken the anticipation level for tomorrow night’s blockbuster against Carlton to a new high after a sending a blunt message to his opposition.
Speaking to Glenn McFarlane in today’s Herald Sun, the Roos’ captain encouraged the Blues to use aggressive tactics against him, but said they should be prepared to suffer the consequences.
``I'm ready for it ... I reckon I have copped a fair bit of it over my career,'' Harvey told McFarlane.
The Blues went out and targeted Melbourne’s Aaron Davey and Jack Watts last weekend and Harvey expects the same treatment on Friday night.
``I enjoy that sort of stuff. It doesn't bother me. When players get into you, you like to show them up a little bit. You might work harder because they are hitting into you.
``It might come back to bite them on the backside a bit.''
Harvey said he would receive the support of his team mates if things got a little heated, something that was missing during the Kangaroos’ round two match against St Kilda.
``I've got some fantastic teammates, so I don't worry about that sort of stuff,'' he said.
``We probably didn't fly the flag enough against St Kilda when I probably got targeted. We have addressed that and I am sure the boys will back me, and whoever else might cop some attention.
``We have got some big bodies down here, so I am very comfortable with my surroundings.''
``With that St Kilda game (in Round 2) a few things happened off the ball. I probably expected (a bit more support) without saying too much for the boys.''
``It didn't happen, but we have addressed it internally. I can promise you it has not been an issue since then.''
North Melbourne will celebrate 25 years of Friday night football by recognising some of the game’s greats.
One dollar for every person that attends will also be donated to the My Room charity for the Children’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital and a Mazda3 will be given away at half time.
``The club has got a big night planned and hopefully we can have a win,'' Harvey said.
``It's great to play on Friday night against quality opposition like Carlton. Hopefully we can get a big crowd along to the game.
``It's a very important game for us. If we show the same sort of intensity as we did against Brisbane last week, then we are a real chance to go 6-6.''
Harvey says "Bring it on."
Brent Harvey has taken the anticipation level for tomorrow night’s blockbuster against Carlton to a new high.