When Shane Harvey found out he was playing his first senior game for 2003 he was happy for more than one reason. The 19-year-old goal sneak has been growing a beard since Round 1 and was determined not to shave it off until he played his first senior game. ""I decided that I wouldn't shave it off until I got a game in the seniors. I don't like facial hair so I thought it would be an added incentive to work hard on the training track. I have been dying to get this beard off for the past few weeks - it has got pretty long and annoying,"" Harvey said.

In his first season at the club, Harvey played seven games in 2002 and showed signs that he is going to be a dangerous forward in years to come. After two convincing performances for the Bendigo Bombers where he kicked a total of seven goals, Harvey caught the eye of the selection committee and was given his senior opportunity last weekend. In the Round 4 match against the Western Bulldogs Harvey attacked the ball like a player determined to grab hold of a permanent senior spot. He gave the team spark up forward and his three-goal performance guaranteed him a spot in the traditional Anzac Day clash against Collingwood.

If Harvey does run out against Collingwood this Friday there will be one major difference to his appearance. The 19-year-old will be minus the red beard that was his trademark against the Western Bulldogs. ""The beard came off first thing Sunday morning. It took me about three hours to get it off so I don't think I will be growing another one for a very long time. If I am out of the seniors for a while again, I think I will think of something different as extra motivation,"" the former Northern Knights player said.