Boomer can play on: Scott Thompson

Brent Harvey will break the AFL’s games record on Saturday but Scott Thompson expects his teammate to shatter it next year.

North Melbourne veteran Harvey will play a staggering 427th AFL match when he faces St Kilda in a crunch clash at Etihad Stadium.

The 38-year-old will better Michael Tuck’s VFL/AFL games record, which has stood since 1991.

The Kangaroos are yet to announce whether Harvey will contest the 2017 season and circle game No.450 as his next milestone.

But on current form it looms a simple decision, according to Thompson.

“I don’t see why he couldn’t play on. I’d be all for it,” Thompson told AAP.

“He hasn’t lost his speed, his ball awareness is unbelievable.

“He dominated on Friday night … he’s still playing some of his best footy, so why not?

“I think he’ll keep going for as long as he can.”

Thompson was full of praise for the ageless champion, who has mentored so many players at Arden Street.

“He’s fantastic. He’d had 20 years experience in the game so he gets around to all the young boys and tells them, one on one, basically how to play AFL football,” the defender said.

“You couldn’t have a better person to teach you than Boomer, he’s just a great bloke.

“It’s just a sensational effort and a great achievement.”

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott doubts whether Harvey, one of just four players to play 400 VFL/AFL games, will ever be equalled.

“It’s going to be pretty hard to take the focus away from 427 games and that’s a great thing,” Scott said after his side defeated Collingwood on Friday night.

“It’s an unbelievable thing. Not just for Boomer, not just for North Melbourne but for people who are probably going to witness a record that may never be broken ever again.

“There are the moments in sport where you think – gee, I’m glad I was there to witness that.”