Boomer Harvey reflects on milestone with champions of the game.
With eight of the game’s greats gathering to help celebrate his historic milestone match, Brent Harvey says he finally had a chance to reflect on his career.
A special luncheon organised by the AFL brought together all but one of code’s all-time games played record holders, with Harvey headlining a remarkable group which included Michael Tuck, Robert Harvey, Craig Bradley, Adam Goodes, Dustin Fletcher, Kevin Bartlett, Simon Madden and Brad Johnson.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Thursday night, Harvey said the special occasion allowed him to embrace his milestone.
“Leading into it was really nervous. Growing up, Robert Harvey was unbelievable, and I used to love watching Craig Bradley play as well,” Harvey said.
“(Today) was the first time I sat back and really thought about it. I was a little bit embarrassed to be walking into something that was organised for me.
“But it was a great day … Adam Goodes flew down for a couple of hours to take a few photos. It was unbelievable.”
With Harvey set to break Michael Tuck’s 25-year all-time record for VFL/AFL games played on Saturday against St Kilda, the man known affectionately as ‘Boomer’ said it was a time to reflect on his journey.
“For me it is an opportunity to reflect where I came from,” he said.
“It’s a time to reflect on how many people have helped me along the way, including my coaches Dennis Pagan, Dean Laidley and Brad Scott, mum and dad, friends and everyone that’s worked at the club over 21 years.
“It’s about representing everyone, not just me.”
At 167cm, 75kg, Harvey has had his fair share of doubters along the way. From being told he was too small and too slow, Boomer said “it’s all a part of it and it’s motivated me along the way.”
The 38-year-old will run out for his 427th game at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, in a celebration of a career that has fielded 511 goals, an average of 21.3 disposals, four All Australians, five best and fairests and a premiership medallion in 1999.
However, his 427th game preparation will not differ. Harvey said he will spend the day watching his kids play sports, before heading out to watch his brother play local footy and then settle in before the game.
And what’s his favourite part of it all?
“I love the preparation part of football … and then I love going out to perform and do my role for the team.”
The eighth-placed Kangaroos will look to cement their place in September, when they clash against the ninth placed Saints.
The Kangaroo’s will wear a special guernsey to celebrate Boomer’s milestone, with the numbers 427 printed across their jumpers.
Harvey will don a long sleeve jumper in order to pay tribute to the former record holder, Tuck.
