BRENT Harvey will talk to North Melbourne coach Brad Scott in two weeks to discuss his playing future, as the 38-year-old prepares to break Michael Tuck's record for most games played.
Hawthorn's 1991 premiership win over West Coast was Tuck's 426th and final game, a match in which Tuck was captain.
Speaking after training at the club on Monday, Harvey said he hoped to extend his career, but acknowledged the decision would rest on what North wants to do.
"(It's the) same as every other year. Probably in a couple of weeks, I'll go and sit down with Brad," Harvey said.
"I wanted to get through the bye first, and see how my body and mind was.
"I've always said if my mind and body's good, I'd love to play football for as long as I can. Unfortunately, it doesn't just revolve around me. It's how the club's going; it's how the team's going.
"There's a lot of stars that have to align for that to happen, and if it happens it'll be fantastic, and if it doesn't, I've had a decent career, so I better not complain."
The four-time All Australian was selected at No. 47 in the 1995 AFL draft. The Kangaroos come up against St Kilda on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium and Jade Gresham will likely be lining up for the opposition.
Harvey played under-18 football for the Northern Knights with Gresham's father Jamie. Jade Gresham was born two years after Harvey was drafted.
The Kangaroos champion put his football longevity down to his preparation, as well as some good fortune.
"There has to be a little bit of luck with injuries. I'm pretty blessed with some good family genes," he said.
"My dad played footy until he was about 50 and he still plays cricket – he's 63.
"I prepare as well as anyone. I've put in a lot of hard work over the years.
"In the back end, sometimes players don't get there because they haven't put that preparation in. I think my preparation's been pretty faultless through a long period of time."
With the Saints clash another five days away, the enormity of the occasion has not quite sunk in for Harvey yet.
"This will be something that I sit back and reflect on after my football career's finished, when you've got the grandkids on your knee and your name's on top of the list," he said.
As to when that final match comes, the passion burns brightly for Harvey.
"The day I fall out of love with football, I'll put my hand up first and say I need to walk away, but I'm still in love with it," he said.
