The best photos of Brent Harvey’s career ahead of record-breaking 427th game

BRENT Harvey broke the VFL/AFL games record with a big win and we celebrate his outstanding career with a look back at some of the highlights.

• MARK ROBINSON: Boomer’s dad proud of his son
• BOOMER DIARIES: Journey to 427 games
• DAVID KING: From little brat to AFL statesman
• CHANGES: What the world was like when Boomer debuted

WHO would have thought that when Brent Harvey played his first career game back in 1996 he would still be playing at the elite level 20 years later.

Over the years there have been thousands of photos taken of the North Melbourne champion ranging from promotional to showcasing his football talent.

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Ahead of his record-breaking 427th career game, we’ve compiled the best photos from the News Corp archives to commemorate Boomer’s outstanding achievement.

And on Saturday night we followed him from the pre-match to the victory lap to document his record-breaking achievement.

Brent Harvey and hs kids after game No.427. Picture: Michael Klein

Brent Harvey is chaired off by Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Brent Harvey had plenty of fans at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

After a strong start, Harvey finished the night with 24 disposals, five marks, two tackles, two clearances, one goal, one score assist and 94 SuperCoach points.

It wasn’t a vintage match but it was vintage Boomer as he buzzed around the packs and looked for one-two handballs to try and run St Kilda off its feet.

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The record-breaker was chaired off by veterans Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito with St Kilda and Kangaroos teammates forming a guard of honour.

Harvey not only broke the league games record but moved into outright second on North Melbourne’s all-time goalkicking list with his 512th major, second behind Wayne Carey.

Brent Harvey celebrates a goal with Lindsay Thomas in his record-breaking game. Picture: Mark Stewart

Drew Petrie takes a massive mark in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Brent Harvey gathers in front of Leigh Montagna in his 427th game. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ben Cunnington takes a hanger over Mav Weller in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Harvey started well with eight disposals, one mark and one tackle in the opening term.

While it wasn’t the prettiest contest at Etihad Stadium, both teams applied fierce pressure at the contest and around the ground.

The Kangaroos ran away with the game in the second half and finished comfortable winners.

The Saints were playing for their season and a win over the Kangaroos would have brought them to within a game of the top eight but their finals hopes are now all but over.

Lindsay Thomas and Brent Harvey celebrate an early goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Brent Harvey runs through the banner with his children. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

North Melbourne’s banner ahead of Brent Harvey’s record-breaking game. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Leading up to the game Harvey admitted he was nervous and excited about playing his record breaking game.

In a video posted to Facebook, he said he couldn’t wait to hit the field.

“I’m starting to get nervous now, I’ve been pretty relaxed all day, just like a normal game, but I said good bye to the kids and I said ‘I’ll see you there when you’re running out with me’ so that makes it a little bit more real. I’m starting to get excited.

Harvey said he had got “out of the house, did a few things” to take his mind off the pressure this morning, watching his son Cooper play basketball.

“Hopefully I get a kick tonight. Game time baby.”

Brent Harvey warming up ahead of his 427th game. Picture: Michael Klein

Brent Harvey warms up in long sleeves in honour of Michael Tuck. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

#427 Enough said!! pic.twitter.com/zE91a6UsHc

— Cameron Ling (@CameronLing) July 30, 2016

Congrats @Boomer_29 on a record that'll never be broken. You've achieved everything mate, except 5 on debut, a stat that'll haunt you 4eva.

— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) July 30, 2016

The #Boomer427 Wall chock-a-block full of messages for the milestone man #aflnorthsaints pic.twitter.com/VIgnJrjwB3

— #Boomer427 (@NMFCOfficial) July 30, 2016

Lacie Harvey has a kick with brother Hudson before the game. Picture: Jay Town

Kangaroos fans before Brent Harvey plays his record-breaking 427th game. Picture: Mark Stewart

Brent Harvey arrives at Etihad Stadium for game No.427. Picture: Michael Klein

Former teammate Anthony Stevens arrives for Brent Harvey’s record-breaking game. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Brent Harvey arrives for game No.427. Picture: Michael Klein

#AFLRoosSaints #Boomer427 Boomer Harvey to break the record for AFL games played. My toon @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/AMjDvAp2Gt

— Mark Knight (@Knightcartoons) July 30, 2016

Best of luck to @Boomer_29 in his 427th AFL game. Been a privilege 2 have seen so many of his games. A true champion pic.twitter.com/ICf6gNSipF

— Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) July 30, 2016

A nice touch by Etihad Stadium for Brent Harvey's record-breaking game tonight #Boomer427 pic.twitter.com/CjXDgMfEzt

— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) July 30, 2016

BOOMER THROUGH THE YEARS

Denis Pagan took a young Brent Harvey under his wing at the beginning of his career.

Harvey won a premiership in 1999 and played in another Grand Final in 1998.

But the result wasn’t the one he wanted.

He’s played against some of the great of the game, including fellow small midfielder Tony Liberatore. Picture: Graham Crouch

In 1999 Harvey represented Victoria in State of Origin.

Harvey trained hard and played with champions including Mick Martyn and Wayne Carey.

And left plenty of opposition players in his wake with his daring play and raw speed.

He’s been part of interesting ad campaigns.

And played in a cricket game at the MCG against Essendon in 2000.

And created lifelong friendships with teammates, including fellow veteran Drew Petrie. Picture: David Crosling

It wasn’t always an easy road. He injured his shoulder in 2002.

But he didn’t let that stop him.

Boomer had the opportunity to play alongside brother Shane when the Kangaroos drafted him at the end of 2003.

He loves a goal celebration.

And in doing so enjoyed also getting under the skin of opposition players and fans.

He played in the International Rules games against Ireland in 2005.

Boomer celebrated his 200th career game so long ago David Hale (No.31) had hair.

Harvey is known for his attack and goalkicking but has also done his fair share of defensive work. Picture: Tony McDonough

And shown plenty of courage on the field. Picture: Michael Dodge

Harvey has also never been afraid of a wrestle or two, including against players bigger and stronger than him.

He was part of an interesting leadership group photoshoot with Adam Simpson, Drew Petrie and Shannon Grant at a pool.

And photoshoots promoting the 2008 Great Australia Day Duck race.

He was always proud to represent Victoria, including in the Hall of Fame tribute match in 2008.

He won the Herald Sun player of the year in 2008.

Harvey was named North Melbourne captain at the end of 2008.

Harvey injured his shoulder again in 2009.

And returned looking like the bionic man.

Boomer was schooled in boxing by Orlando Jordan, member of wrestlers from Hulkmania during their Australian tour.

Seagulls, opposition players ... Boomer has never been one to let anything get in his way.

He played his 300th AFL game in Perth against West Coast in 2010.

We’ll just leave this one here. Harvey and Jack Ziebell promoting the Queen exhibition at the Ballarat Art Gallery.

Harvey would not have played this many games without training hard.

Something he has done throughout his illustrious career. Picture: Michael Klein

Harvey equalled Glenn Archer’s 311 games record at North Melbourne in 2011.

And celebrated his 350th career game in Round 10, 2013. The same day Daniel Wells played his 200th game.

All the kids love him. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

As do the adults. Picture: Jackson Flindell

But he and former Fremantle Docker Ryan Crowley aren't the best of friends.

Boomer joined the 400 club last year and marked the occasion with an iconic images with fellow 400 gamers Dustin Fletcher, Michael Tuck and Kevin Bartlett. Picture: David Caird

Of course North Melbourne had a win in his 400th, this time over Brisbane. The Roos are yet to lose in a Brent Harvey milestone game. Picture: Mark Calleja

He helped lead the Kangaroos to a preliminary final last year after upsetting the Swans at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein

But once again fell short of that elusive second premiership. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

26 games later and he’s still a match-winner, starring in his record-equalling game against Collingwood last Friday night. Picture: Michael Klein

The Etihad Stadium ground crew prepare the ground for Boomer’s night. Picture: Instagram