YOU WOULDN'T expect a player who is ranked third all-time in score assists to be labelled selfish.

But that's what happened last Saturday when Radio SEN commentator Dermott Brereton questioned North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey's team focus.

"When he runs into an open goal and he has a … teammate standing in the goal square unmarked and he doesn't give it… what message do you think that sends to the rest of the team?" Brereton said.

"That's not good enough because young players see that."

But Harvey's team focus is borne out by the statistics Champion Data has kept on score assists since 2003.

Only Luke Power (Brisbane Lions) and Gary Ablett (Geelong/Gold Coast) have set up teammates to score more often in that time.

Brereton called on Brad Scott to make Harvey change his ways, but the North coach told afl.com.au he had no qualms about Harvey's mindset when he gets within scoring range.

"When Brent Harvey has got the ball and is running into an open goal, we instruct our other players to either block for him, or get out of the way," Scott said on Monday.

"In the modern game of pressurised football, over-possessing the ball is really just putting yourself in a position to turn it over. 

"With someone of Brent’s calibre, we back him in every time to take the percentage option, whether that be kicking the goal or giving it off.

"'Boomer’s' record speaks for itself when it comes to these types of situations."

This Sunday against Adelaide, Harvey is set to equal the Kangaroos' games record, drawing level on 311 matches with former teammate Glenn Archer.

Even Brereton conceded that in that time Harvey has undoubtedly established himself as a champion.

"We're all in heated agreement the bloke has been a champion (and) he's still a viably terrific player," Brereton said on Saturday. 

Want to be a part of history? Your child can be on the ground as Brent Harvey runs through the banner for his record-equaling 311th game. Click here for more information