NORTH Melbourne legend Wayne Carey has backed the Kangaroos' controversial decision to not offer veteran quartet Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo contracts for 2017.

The Kangaroos announced the shock move on Wednesday even though the club will play finals this season, having locked in eighth spot with one round remaining.   

They wanted to make sure the four players were guaranteed a chance to play in front of their home crowd in the final round in case it was the last time the Kangaroos played in Victoria this season.

"I know it's sad but unfortunately the club is bigger than any one individual," Carey told AFL.com.au.

"Clearly they have not come to this decision lightly. [North Melbourne coach] Brad Scott and others that have sat down and have made it for the benefit of the club for the next 15 or 20 years going forward." 

Carey, who played in a premiership alongside Harvey, praised the games record holder describing his form as "great". 

He said many would question whether moving Harvey on is the right decision but he could understand the club's need to move forward.  

The former North Melbourne champion said the timing wasn't perfect but it never could be when such decisions were made. 

"[The] timing is not great. [It's] never great timing though when you are retiring some of the superstars from your club," Carey said.

"Three of those guys are North Melbourne champions. They have been sensational players and obviously Dal Santo is a champion of the AFL."