St Kilda coach Ross Lyon believes his veteran midfielder Robert Harvey is likely to extend his AFL career into a remarkable 21st season next year.
Lyon revealed on Tuesday that Harvey, who turned 36 last week, was 'more likely than not' to agree to play on in 2008.
The revelation the dual Brownlow medal winner is likely to continue his AFL career next year comes amidst concern from supporters that Harvey may have been denied a farewell game this season because of both injury and the Saints' precarious position of ninth place on the ladder coming into the final home-and-away round.
Harvey is not certain to return from a quad strain for Saturday's round 22 MCG clash against Richmond and if the Saints are beaten - or Adelaide downs Collingwood on Friday night - the club will not make the finals, denying Harvey the chance of a farewell appearance in September if he decided to pull the pin on his decorated career this year.
However, while Lyon said he was 'hopeful' of Harvey playing on Saturday, he was not concerned about the prospect of his champion midfielder being denied a James Hird-style send-off this week because of the likelihood he will decide to play on in 2008.
"There is no reason physically and form wise that Robert Harvey can't play AFL football next year," Lyon said.
"At this stage it's as good a chance he will play as he doesn’t - based on his form and fitness."
"He is every possibility to play on because he would be in our top six in our best and fairest this year and when it comes to injuries (this season) he has had one hamstring injury and now this one-week soft tissue injury."
Harvey has averaged a more than respectable 21 possessions per game from his 18 appearances this season and if he plays against the Tigers on Saturday he will join John Blakey (359 games) at number six on the list of most AFL matches.
Lyon said a decision on Harvey's future may still be some time off.
"We have had a couple of private discussions but it's still not finalised and Robert has every right and the club has every right to take as long as we want (in deciding whether Harvey plays on)," Lyon said.
"Based on form and fitness and his body and his love for the game it’s every chance to happen but it’s not final."
Lyon said it would not faze the famously shy Harvey if circumstances determined that he had in fact already played his last game and was denied a farewell game.
"Rob is sick of send-offs and accolades and functions," Lyon said.
"Whenever he does decide to retire, there are avenues to say goodbye to the general public and the fans so it's not a concern (if he doesn’t get a farewell game)."
And Lyon said there is no way the Saints will risk Harvey this week if he is not fit to play.
"If he is not right he won't play," Lyon said of the game's oldest player.