Irate North fans start online petition to keep Brent Harvey

The North Melbourne Kangaroos' decision to axe veteran Brent Harvey from their plans for next season has left supporters fuming and former players flabbergasted.

Yesterday the club announced that Harvey along with fellow experienced players Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito will not be back, but it's the axing of Harvey, the AFL's games record holder that has hit hardest among the fans.

As of 1:00pm, 2701 people have signed a petition demanding the club hand Harvey a 12-month contract extension.

Lynda Harmer, who launched the petition, outlined why Harvey deserves better from the club he has served for 21 years.

"Brent Harvey is a great of the NMFC - he deserves to retire on his own terms and based on current form warrants a 12 month extension on his current contract.

"He consistently performs at high standard and his presence on the field has the ability to ignite his team mates. He is currently ranked in the top 50 players in the AFL and pulls stats week in week out that are better than players 15 years his junior.

"Let Boomer play on in 2017 - its what he wants and its what the members want!!"

MORE PLAYERS TO GO? Will Jarrad Waite also be shown the door?

OUTRAGE: Former Kangaroos players hammer club's decision

Former premiership player David King blasted the club over the poor timing and business-like announcement through their Twitter account and a media release.

"I'm staggered that they've decided to do it prior to round 23," King told Fox Footy's website.

"To decide not to re-contract one of the champions of the club is ok, but to treat him like a delisted player and to send out a few paragraphs in a media release is disgraceful and disrespectful.

"Harvey is arguably the second-best player the club has ever had and the best since Wayne Carey ... it's a complete disaster."

Harvey posted this message to his Instagram along with an image of the club logo.