For Brent Harvey, his celebrated career has been highlighted by winning a premiership in 1999. With North Melbourne's dominance throughout the 90s, it was fitting they won the final premiership of the decade, and the team to beat come the new millennium. He had 21 possessions, took 6 marks and lay 3 tackles - his efforts undoubtedly a large contribution to the eventual victory. And for Boomer, that's his greatest football moment. With team success the ultimate achievement in the game, the premiership is the icing on his very rich cake.
Over the years, Boomer's pace, skill and impeccable decision making are just a few things that make him stand out above the rest: his class still making him one of the best footballers in the league. He's 37, played 400 games and he's still getting tagged. Says it all, really.
As an individual, he too has had much success. He's won the North Melbourne Best and Fairest five times, four time All Australian, represented Australia five times in the international series (including captain in 2008), back-to-back Lou Richard's medallist, Herald Sun Player of the Year and was named in North Melbourne's "Team of the Century..Those were just the big ones.
From 2009-2011, Brent Harvey took over as Captain of the club. It was during this time that Harvey played arguably his best game of AFL. In Round 3, 2010, he had a career high 44 possessions, 11 marks, six goal assists and one goal for himself. For most, they will remember Boomer Harvey in 'the point of the century'. He had seven running bounces, before running into what looked like goal of the year - only the ball drifted and hit the right goal post. To this day, it remains one of the most exciting passages of play.
For North Melbourne fans, 2012 was one to remember. Leading into their round 11 bye, the Roos had won just four matches... but they only lost two more for the season. They won 10 for their final 12 matches and marched into their first final series since 2008, and first under coach Brad Scott.
North's round 20 victory over Essendon gave the Roos a guaranteed place. And it was one man, in the third quarter who got them there. With three goals and one tremendous mark, Brent Harvey's "third quarter blitz" inspired the Roos to the victory. It is definitely one to remember.
I could sit here all day and bang on about Boomer. Pulling out the record books, discussing every incredible thing he has done in his 399 games - but what's the point? You know how good he is, I know how good he is - the entire AFL community understand the importance and the legend that is "Boomer". I suppose all that's left to say, is congratulations. Congratulations to our sensational 400 game superstar. This man should go on and break the all time games record, because he deserves to, because he is a star of the game, but more importantly, of our great club.
North Melbourne have not won a game at the Gabba for over 10 years... If there has ever been a situation that demanded a 100% effort from each man on the field, it's now. It's more than the four points, or to break that drought... it's to honour our legend the right way.
It's BOOM time.
