Lindsay Thomas admits he might not be playing at the highest level if not for the influence of Brent Harvey.

The 28-year-old told The Herald Sun Harvey had a profound impact on his life, both in his football and personally.

“I don’t think I (have ever) told him that, along with Daniel Wells, they’re the main two guys I can say if it wasn’t for them two, I don’t know where I’d be today,” Thomas said.

“I could say ‘Boomer’ did save my career.

“He just made sure that he looked after me, made sure that I was all right mentally, just one of those guys that was just a phone call away.”

Thomas said Harvey had helped him become the man he is today.

“He’s been a great mentor for me over the past 10 years, on the footy field but also away from the footy club he’s a guy that would do anything for you.”

In the most challenging times, including Thomas’ well-publicised struggles in front of goal in 2011, Harvey helped him turn the tide.

“He was one of those guys that would constantly be there (for me) but also spend that extra half an hour with me and show me different techniques and talking me through it.”

Thomas can’t wait to pay tribute to the new games-record holder on Saturday night.

“I won’t miss it for the world, you’ll have to kill me for me to miss this game,” he added.

“It’s something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life this game, running alongside the little champion.

“I said to him I’m going to give him his first goal, so I am definitely going to try and look for him.”