TOUGH Melbourne recruit Ben Kennedy says he’d love the opportunity to play on North Melbourne great Brent Harvey this Sunday at Blundstone Arena.

Speaking to Melbourne TV, Kennedy said he greatly admired Harvey and another hard-nut Roo Ben Cunnington and would love the challenge of taking on either player.

“Maybe I’ll play on Boomer Harvey. I’d love to play on him,” he said.

“Ben Cunnington is a very respected footballer and I rate him as a player and have for the last few years, so if I can get on him as well, it’d be a good learning experience.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Kennedy, who was arguably Melbourne’s best player in its loss to Essendon last round with three goals, said he was “itching” to rebound strongly against the Roos in Hobart.  

“A lot of players and the group have a point to prove this week, so we’re looking forward to getting out there and making a statement,” he said.

“After a loss, the next game is the most important one and you just can’t wait to get out there.”