The countdown for Brent Harvey's most impressive milestone has started.

Harvey admits thoughts of breaking Michael Tuck's all-time record of 426 games are at the back of his mind.

He will play his 417th match on Saturday, when North Melbourne face Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

"It is getting closer and I think you think about it a little bit, because of all the interviews you do and people are talking about it," Harvey said of Tuck's mark on Friday.

"But there's a lot of water to go under the bridge before then, I think it's 10 or 11 weeks away.

"Hopefully we can keep winning."

North's round-eight clash with the Bombers will be cause for celebration of a different kind, with Harvey turning 38 on Saturday.

The speedster continues to defy Father Time, getting plenty of the ball in the opening third of the season.

Harvey suggested he and North coach Brad Scott are yet to discuss the prospect of the veteran contesting a staggering 22nd season.

"I think I'll say this a couple more times before I sign a contract or don't sign a new contract ... normally around 15, 16 or 17 rounds myself and Brad will go in and have that chat," Harvey said of his plans for 2017.

"Find out what he thinks is going on ... what's best for the team obviously is the most important.

"We're still seven or eight weeks away from that, so we'll wait and see."

Harvey, who has featured in 23 finals, noted he was feeling fresh and hoping Scott wouldn't force him to miss any games this year.

"I don't like to rest. I've played a lot of football and I'm sure if Brad comes to me and says he wants me to rest, I'll probably say no anyway," Harvey said.

"We haven't really discussed that. I certainly won't be knocking on the door and asking for a rest."