North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey makes the most of his return to footy North Melbourne speedster Brent Harvey was among the Kangaroos best in his first game of the season. YOU could tell Brent Harvey had missed footy. While North Melbourne coach Brad Scott toyed with the idea before yesterday's clash with Western Bulldogs of starting the 347-gamer as the substitute, he was never going to wear green. The veteran played with the spirit of youth, but it was his experience in a tight tussle at Etihad Stadium that stood out. Harvey had been absent this season due to a six-game ban for two striking offences during last year's elimination final against West Coast. He started outside the centre square with Bulldogs tagger Liam Picken by his side. He must have been thinking not much had changed. Harvey hovered around packs, but couldn't find it early. Eight minutes in, Scott threw him in the middle. It took just seconds. His first kick was a delivery to Majak Daw, who had a set shot on goal only to score a point. The 34-year-old Harvey put North Melbourne in front with his first goal, a left-foot snap roving off the tap work of Daw. There was a fist pump, but it was the Kangaroos fans who were more excited. Majak Happened Late in the first term, Harvey bounded up centre-wing. He took one bounce, had time to point where he wanted Drew Petrie to lead and he delivered to the power forward who converted. With the Bulldogs up by three points midway through the third term, Harvey picked up a turnover and dashed through the centre. He took two bounces and had every right to take a shot on goal, but instead he kicked a pin-point pass to Petrie, who put the Kangaroos in front. Maybe the plan was to sub Harvey out once he'd had enough, but that was spoiled when Aaron Mullett injured what appeared to be his ankle and Daniel Wells, who started as the substitute, came on to the field.So Harvey soldiered on, spending more time on the bench in the second half. He finished with 19 disposals. He was the highest ranking SuperCoach player in the first quarter and added to his goal with eight score involvements. He played with poise, whether it was demanding the ball back so he could bomb it long to Daw or switching play to create space for the Kangaroos. It was good to watch. Sure the champion was puffing, but it was his first game.