Talk has been heating up in recent weeks about possible targets for the AFL’s newest team, but the Kangaroos’ veteran says there’s no chance the classy midfielder will leave Aegis Park despite being out of contract at the end of 2012.
“There is going to be speculation but we’ve got Basti, he’s sweet,” Harvey told Andrew Maher and Andrew Gaze on 1116SEN radio on Thursday morning.
“He’ll sign Basti, don’t worry.”
Ruckman Todd Goldstein recently signed a contract extension which takes him to the end of 2014 but Bastinac is yet to follow suit.
But Harvey says the signs are all positive, particularly the fact the 20-year old has been handed the revered number 3 guernsey, previously worn by several club legends including Brady Rawlings.
“He used to be 28, he just changed to number 3…he’s an exceptional young boy or young man I should say there is not a problem in the world don’t worry,” Harvey commented.
“The number 3 is very similar to the number 11 for us, obviously Glenn Archer…I can’t see him leaving.
“He might be holding out for an extra 15 bucks a year,” He joked. “But there’s (sic) not too many people that leave the North Melbourne Footy Club. I mean you look over the years and what I can remember that spring to mind, Daniel Motlop and probably Josh Gibson. I don’t reckon there’ll be too many more.”
After turning down several offers of his own to leave North during his career, the 33-year old knows only too well why many chose to stay.
“Once you’re in there, the culture is pretty staunch and it’s hard to get out of.”
To listen to Harvey’s comments, click here.
