The all-time VFL/AFL games record could fall in 2016 with news North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey has signed a new one-year contract.

The 37-year-old (and 18th oldest player in history) put pen to paper at Arden Street on Thursday morning, ending months of speculation about his future.

The new deal will see the veteran enter a remarkable 21st season – he currently has the 10th longest career since the competition began (18 years, 348 days – September 1, 1996 – August 15, 2015).

Currently on 403 games, ‘Boomer’ sits equal second on the all-time list alongside Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett. At the top of the tree is the games record holder Michael Tuck, who reached 426 games before retiring at the age of 38 in 1991 with Hawthorn.

If selected for the Kangaroos’ remaining three matches, Harvey would finish the home and away season year on 406 games. He would then have the opportunity to add to his tally depending on North’s potential finals campaign.

Harvey began his career at North when he was 17 after being drafted with pick 47 in the 1995 National Draft.

He currently sits equal 6th for most wins of all time with 220.

Career achievements

VFL Premiership 1996

NAB Cup 1998

AFL Premiership 1999

Life Membership North Melbourne

E. J. Whitten Medal: 1999

Syd Barker Medal: 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010

All-Australian: 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008

Australian Representative Honours in International Rules Football: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008 (C)

Jim Stynes Medal: 2003

Lou Richards Medal: 2007, 2008

Herald Sun Player of the Year: 2008

Archer–Hird Medal: 2009, 2011

North Melbourne F.C. Team of the Century