There were always the doubters; “he’s too small” was a common phrase uttered about Brent Harvey all the way through this junior career.

But Neil Harvey never questioned his son’s ability. Brent was something special. At the age of 11, he was already showing signs of becoming a star.

“He just dominated, you could just tell he had something,” Neil told The Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson.

By the time Brent was 13, his dad knew he’d make it to the highest level.

“After games, people would say, ‘Oh my God, you’re son’s a freak, he’s going to play AFL’.

“When they say that to you, you think, you’re probably right, and as soon as he got a bit bigger and he went to the Northern Knights, you could just tell.’’

Of course, Brent’s height was going to be a talking point for recruiters, but his remarkable playing ability made him impossible to ignore.

Perhaps some of his talent came in the genes; his grandfather Bill was a brilliant footballer at Heidelberg and even played two game games for North.

“One hundred per cent it’s in the genes,’’ Neil said.

“I asked mum a few questions about dad and she said dad was probably the best player ever.’’

Neil himself played football until the age of 48 with West Preston and Brunswick in the VFA – a mark even his son might not be able to match.

But it’s arguable no one will ever match the feats of ‘Boomer’ in the AFL.

The 38-year-old will tonight break the all-time games’ record, surpassing Michael Tuck’s 25-year mark of 426 games.

Neil couldn’t be prouder; a video posted on the club’s website brought him to tears.

“I was never supposed to make this far. I was told I was too small ... not strong enough,” Brent says in the video, while walking into Etihad Stadium.

“They told me I was dreaming, that I would never play in the AFL.

“And when I made it, they said I wouldn’t get a game, that I couldn’t handle a tag, that I wasn’t a team player, they said I was selfish, they said I should retire.

“To all the doubters, and all the sceptics, to all those who never, ever gave me a chance, thanks for inspiring me and spurring me on.

“Thanks for motivating me to get better, every ... single ... day.

“I hope you’ve watched me give my all for North Melbourne, for the fans, for my teammates and for my family.

“To all those who said it could never happen, even once, thanks for being so wrong ... 427 times.’’

Watch the video below.