In fact, North would have had little hesitation in putting a new contract to its skipper who they affectionately call 'Boomer'.
Most start to show signs of slowing down in the twilight of their career's, but Harvey is unique.
"Anyone that is exposed to Brent Harvey knows why he's so good," coach Brad Scott said on Tuesday.
"He is a shining example to our younger players as to how you should approach your football. That's the legacy he'll leave with our football club."
Harvey has inked a new deal which will take him through to the end of 2012, but there's no reason why he couldn't go on longer.
"His longevity is partly because of terrific genes. He's been unbelievable in his resilience in terms of being able to back up each week, to recovering from some pretty significant injuries, he's got a remarkable ability to do that."
For Harvey, it's simple.
"...If I'm going well, if I'm enjoying my footy, if I'm getting through training like I am now. That's the coaches' decision and we'll sit down then."
The little maestro's standing in the game continues to become grander each time he runs out. Earlier in the year he broke Glenn Archer's club games record and he's moved up to a remarkable 32nd on the all-time list in the VFL/AFL.
Next year Harvey will step out for his 17th season but he's still unsure whether it will be his fourth as a captain.
"We haven't really spoken about it. I'll sit down with Brad (Scott) at the end of the year like I have with the last couple of years and we'll go from there.
"The good thing about it is that we've got some fantastic leaders underneath who can do the job."
It won't matter how long he goes on though now, Harvey has already etched his name as one of North Melbourne's true greats.
Harvey fact file
Games: 320 (1st all-time at North)
Goals: 372 (6th all-time at North)
Disposals: 6610 (1st all-time at North) - avg. 20.6
Brownlow Medal: 147 career votes (2nd all-time at North)
Honours: Syd Barker Medal - 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
All-Australian - 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008
Australian captain - 2008
International Rules - 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008
Premierships - 1999
EJ Whitten Medal - 1999
Jim Stynes Medal - 2003
