It has become an annual event at North Melbourne in recent times; the announcement of a one-year contract extension for Brent Harvey. However the excitement and sense of wonderment surrounding the career of Kangaroo champion never ceases and will only increase as he closes in on the amazing 400-game milestone.

Harvey and North Melbourne agreed to terms on a new deal this week, meaning the superstar will enter his 19th season in 2014.

The 35-year-old should end the year on 362 career games after playing against Hawthorn and Collingwood in Rounds 22 and 23 respectively.  If he goes on to play every game of the home and away season next year, he will have run out a remarkable 384 times.  With some finals appearances, he could reach 388 and would need to return for a 20th year in order to achieve 400 games.

Harvey currently sits in ninth position on the all-time games played list behind Michael Tuck (426), Kevin Bartlett (403), Robert Harvey (383), Simon Madden (378), Dustin Fletcher (378), Craig Bradley (375), Bernie Quinlan (366) and Brad Johnson (364).  Last week against Essendon, he passed former team-mate John Blakey (359).

While 400 games may sound like a long shot, Harvey’s form-line over several years shows there’s no signs he’s planning to slow down or drop off.   He has missed just 13 games through injury in the past 16 years with seven of those lost to an elbow injury in 2009.

When asked about Harvey’s prospects of signing on for another season earlier this year, North coach Brad Scott was under no illusions.

''I've certainly made my thoughts clear at list management,'' he said.

''How could you argue with his performances so far? He's just an amazing athlete.''

Since 2005, Harvey has averaged more than 22 disposals a game and this season is no different.  After missing the first six rounds due to suspension, Harvey has managed to maintain his lofty standards averaging 23.5.   

Harvey was ranked North Melbourne's No.1 for disposals, uncontested possessions and handball receives earlier this month by Champion Data, and No.3 for scoreboard impact.

Harvey’s top five (disposals)
44 disposals (19 kicks, 25 handballs), 11 marks and a goal in the Round 3, 25-point win over West Coast in 2010

40 disposals (28 kicks, 12 handballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in the Round 13, 33-point loss to Collingwood in 2002

38 disposals (29 kicks, 9 handballs), 6 marks and 2 goals in the Round 7, 12-point win over St Kilda in 2000

38 disposals (19 kicks, 19 handballs), 3 marks and 1 goals in the Round 3, 17-point win over Geelong in 2012

37 disposals (12 kicks, 25 handballs) 4 marks in the Round 19, 10-point win over Geelong in 2013

Harvey had his first 20 disposal game in just his 7th match in Round 20 against Richmond in 1997.  It wasn’t until the year 2000 and his 71st game that he finally hit 30 disposals or more in a game when he notched up 38 touches against St Kilda in Round 7.