North Melbourne's Cooper Harvey new role as a high-possession half back could be prolong his career at Arden Street, following a squeeze in the front half.
Harvey followed in his father Brent's footsteps, as a crafty pressure forward who could pinch-hit in the midfield. He was drafted as such in 2022.
In the final seven games last year, Harvey hit the scoreboard frequently, kicking 10 goals and earning a one-year extension at a period where his career was hanging by a thread.
But the acquisition of high-end draftee Lachy Dovaston, who has drawn comparisons to Nick Watson, and Charlie Spargo, Harvey needed to change his tact, and fast, to remain at Arden Street.
A switch to defence, a role that is foreign to the father-son player, has unleashed potential not previously realised at the Kangaroos.
Harvey has averaged 27.1 disposals and 5.7 marks in seven VFL outings this season, almost forcing North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson's hand at the selection table.
"He was really close," Clarkson admitted ahead of Saturday's clash with Gold Coast.
"Out of him and Hardeman to come into the side this week. He's been playing some really good footy at half back, and that was a pretty strong debate at match committee to get him in.
"He's been in really good form. We just thought that Hardeman was the one who was better suited to the Gold Coast match-ups for this particular game.
"(Harvey) has been going really well. Early part of his time here, he mainly played as a forward. He's a pretty elusive forward.
"But we've moved him into the back end over the summer. He just needed continuity and repetition in playing in that position. He played very little as a junior (in the position). He's been learning his craft, in particular the last four weeks, he's done it really well.
"He's ready to play, but he's just waiting for a spot. And that spot will open up if he continues like last week."
Harvey is out of contract beyond 2026, but his positional switch may keep him in the royal blue and white stripes for a little bit longer.
