Jumper retirements aren't common in the AFL, and that's why Brent Harvey says he feels incredibly 'humbled'. 

On Friday night North will pay 'Boomer' the ultimate respect and raise his No.29 to the rafters. 

“It’s a great gesture by the football club,” Harvey told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night.

“I actually haven’t digested it all to find out whether I’d love to see another 29 running around this year, next year, if it’s the right player.

“What I can say is the football club said they were going to do it, and I’m very humbled by the gesture.

The game was selected because Harvey broke Michael Tuck's then record of 426 games at the same venue and against St Kilda last year.

The only AFL jumpers to previously have been retired were Darren Millane’s No. 42 at Collingwood and Troy Broadbridge’s No. 20 at Melbourne (for two years).

Harvey said the occasion will give him a chance to thank the North faithful.

“I’m looking forward to Friday night. I think it’s more of an opportunity for me to say goodbye to the fans.

“The way it ended with the football club ... I know a lot of people have their own ideas. But I’m very happy with where I sit right now.

“I’m very happy where I am with life right now. I get to spend a lot more time with my children.

“I won’t lie to you, the emotional rollercoaster at the start was very difficult to comprehend ... but it’s a very bright future for the football club.”

Although in a different capacity, Harvey is still very much involved at Arden Street mentoring the small forwards.

“You look at Jy Simpkin and the future of our football club and it’s enormous. I’m loving it.”