Brent Harvey to Lose Record in AFL History

By Alexia Pesce

Topic: AFL

Saturday, 23 May 2026, at 1:28 pm

Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne, Brent Harvey, Dustin Fletcher, and Kevin Bartlett pose with Scott Pendlebury before his record-breaking 433rd match.

It has been 3,584 days since Brent Harvey became the VFL/AFL games record holder at 38 years old.

For 10 years, he has held this title with pride.

When introducing him, they say, 'Brent Harvey, former North Melbourne player and AFL/VFL games record holder.'

He says, 'It's nice to have, I won't lie.'

Today, Scott Pendlebury becomes the new record holder at the same age Harvey was in 2016.

Brent Harvey turned down offers from other clubs to continue playing.

When thinking about the six men in the 400-game club, Harvey notes one thing they have in common.

All but Shaun Burgoyne played for only one club.

'Boomer' is proud to be a one-club player, but he knows the AFL is changing.

Scott Pendlebury will be remembered as one of Collingwood's greatest players.

In the NRL, players often announce they are leaving mid-season, and this might happen in the AFL too.

We already know which free agents won't sign and will leave their clubs.

With free agency, it's rare for players to stay with one club their whole career.

Only 52% of players who play over 200 games stay with their original club.

Choosing retirement over a new club

Harvey wanted to stay with the Kangaroos, which led to the end of his 432-game career in 2016.

North Melbourne finished 8th that year and lost in the elimination final.

Brent Harvey fought with Rory Sloane and Sam Jacobs during the 2016 elimination final loss.

The club sacked four veterans, including Harvey, after the season.

Harvey averaged 21.5 disposals and a goal per game that year, making his sacking a surprise.

At 38, he still had the ability to run and kick goals.

Some clubs offered him a chance to play on.

One club was near the bottom of the ladder and wanted leadership, while another was close to winning.

His friend Petrie joined West Coast, but Harvey chose to stay loyal to the Kangaroos.

He talked to his manager about the offers and decided not to take them.

Harvey is proud to be a one-club player and can still walk into North Melbourne with his head held high.

'You've got to be driven, selfish'

While his record has taken 10 years to break, Harvey thinks one player could do it again.

This player could bring the record back to the Kangaroos.

Harry Sheezel is durable and might be the one to break the record again.

If Harry plays well and doesn't get in trouble, he might reach the record.

Brent Harvey ran out with his children on the day he broke the games record in 2016.

The 21-year-old Harry Sheezel has missed only one game since being drafted in 2022.

But the Kangaroos haven't played a final since their big loss in 2016.

It takes a special person to last long in the AFL, but it's not impossible.

According to Harvey, there are a few important traits that worked for him and Scott Pendlebury.

You have to be driven and selfish to play in the AFL for a long time.

There are sacrifices, but you get to play AFL football the next day.

Family is very important.

You can't do it without family, and Scott Pendlebury will talk about this.

Saturday, 23 May 2026, at 1:28 pm

Monday, 25 May 2026, at 9:44 am

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