Veteran Brent Harvey says he can offer flexibility in both defence and attack, but feels he can be “most dangerous” in his customary forward role.

RELATED: Harvey player profile

Harvey, who turned 37 on Thursday, spent most of the early rounds generating run from the half-back line but was deployed to the forward half against Richmond last Saturday.

Harvey said he relished playing further up the ground against the Tigers – a position he has carved out a successful AFL career.

"It wasn’t as nerve-racking as the previous three weeks where I’ve been down back," Harvey told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.

"Just going in there and doing what I have for the last 15 years was good and so was playing alongside Lindsay (Thomas), Robbie Nahas, Drew (Petrie), (Jarrad) Waite for the first time for a while and Ben Brown’s been on fire.

"That’s where I’m at my most dangerous, kicking the ball inside 50 and setting up the goals or dishing it off."

Harvey knows his attacking traits can complement his ability to play across the half-back line, especially when there are casualties.

"If we’ve got a couple of injuries like we did previously with Luke McDonald and Jamie Macmillan being out, there’s a role there where I can play across half-back," he said.

The 390-gamer said he was always confident he would be able to make his presence felt this season, but never thought he would still be playing well into his 30s.

"When I first started my career, I didn’t think I’d be playing until I was 37," he said.

"If you asked me last year I would’ve said, ‘Yeah, definitely’ but if you asked me when I was 23, 24 or 25 (years old), probably not.

"There’s not too many blokes that have played 20 years of football so the odds would’ve been against me."

Harvey’s 37th birthday celebrations have been put on hold, with Friday night’s encounter against Essendon at the forefront of his thoughts.

"It [his birthday] is no different than any other day. I got a bit more of a welcome when I woke up this morning from the kids which was good," Harvey said.

"Leading into a game, I’m just concentrating on that more than my birthday."

The 167cm livewire said North is expecting a tight tussle against the Bombers, particularly in the wake of the World Anti-Doping Authority’s decision to appeal over the 2012 supplements program.

"They’re a very good team when their back’s against the wall, especially with all the stuff that’s happened earlier this week; they’re going to be pumped up again," he said.

"I’m certain the club and the coach will draw on something and they’ll be ready to go to put on a good show."

Harvey, who is the second-oldest AFL player behind Dustin Fletcher, lauded Fletcher’s longevity in the game ahead of what is expected to be his 398th AFL appearance.

"He’s been so durable and a great player," Harvey said.

"(He’s) always someone that plays well against us."