The AFL Coaches' Association have thrown their support behind Mark Harvey after he was sensationally sacked as Fremantle coach to be replaced by Ross Lyon.
AFLCA chief executive Danny Frawley said the association was 'extremely disappointed' that Harvey was not given the opportunity to see out his coaching contract with the Dockers.
The former Saints star and Richmond coach said Harvey had done a good job during the 2011 season with an injury-hit Fremantle list.
"Given the injury rate at Fremantle this year, Mark did a remarkable job in keeping the team in contention until the very end of the season," Frawley said.
"Regardless of contract payouts, coaches simply want to be given the opportunity to complete their tenure, in this case a two year contract extension agreed upon only 12 months ago."
"Harvs is shattered that he won't get the opportunity to finish on good terms with Fremantle, a club to which he has given his all."
A statement from the AFLCA said the association 'will put all it's resources into supporting Mark Harvey in what is a very difficult time for he and his family'.
Harvey was given his marching orders from Fremantle on Thursday afternoon, just before Lyon told St Kilda he was leaving to join the Dockers.
This leaves the Saints to join the ranks of Adelaide, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in looking for a new senior coach.