Harvey a winner in 400th game

North Melbourne helped Brent Harvey mark his 400th AFL game with a big win over Brisbane that enhanced their top-eight prospects.
The 72-point victory over the Lions at the Gabba took the Kangaroos, at least temporarily, into the finals places for the first time this year.

Midfielder Harvey made an impact in his landmark game, finishing with a team-high 27 possessions and two goals. Harvey became just the fourth player in VFL/AFL history to play 400 games.

Drew Petrie kicked four goals for the visitors, who made it three wins in a row and will hope to further cash in over the next three weeks as they take on three of the bottom six in the shape of Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda.

There was little for former Lions skipper Jed Adcock to celebrate on his 200th outing, as the club's hopes of avoiding a ninth straight loss took a major hit even before the opening bounce. They saw Pearce Hanley (hamstring) scratched and were also without Dayne Beams (shoulder).

Brisbane took some encouragement from the second quarter, which they won three goals to two to restrict the visitors' lead to 21 points at the main break.

But the Lions could muster only one point in the third term and were then put to the sword in the final quarter as North piled on seven goals.

Coach Brad Scott was delighted to see Harvey in excellent form in his milestone game. "He's like another coach (out there), but a gun player as well," he said.

"If he wasn't the best on ground to half-time he was certainly very close to best on the ground at full-time. He's an icon of our club and he keeps performing."

North Melbourne are 91/100 conceding a 34.5-points start against Carlton in their next match. They are 1/6 to win with Carlton 17/4.