Friday night’s match will hold extra significance for Brad Scott, and not just because it looms as a huge challenge for his team against the Hawks.

The North Melbourne coach is due to reach a prestigious personal milestone, qualifying for AFL Life Membership after 300 games as a player and coach.

Scott will take his players into battle for the 104th occasion (plus 15 pre-season fixtures) after first taking the reins as coach in Round 1 of 2010.

He boasts a 52 per cent winning record since arriving at Arden Street, only surpassed by Ron Barassi (premierships in 1975 and 1977), Denis Pagan (premierships in 1996 and 1999) and Barry Cable during the club's VFL/AFL history.

Before his time as coach, Scott played 168 games with Hawthorn and Brisbane (plus 11 pre-season games), helping the latter to premierships in 2001 and 2002 before missing the following year through injury.

A fearless backman, he also represented Australia in the International Rules' Series on two occasions.