History means little when you run through the banner on match-day, but there's no denying North Melbourne has had the wood over Melbourne in recent times.

In fact, the Roos have won the last eight encounters against the Demons and while it's impossible to pin-point the success to just one man, Brent Harvey has certainly been a big factor.

The little maestro's impact can't be ignored with a remarkable run against Melbourne that started back in round nine of 2007 with a last-gasp one point win.

Before that year, Harvey only recorded two Brownlow Medal votes in 13 games against the Dees and the Kangaroos won just five of those games.

Since then, he's be recognised with 14 of a maximum 24 votes - a remarkable feat that can't be ignored.

The inspirational champion lines up for his 308th match on Saturday and is just three appearances shy of matching Glenn Archer for most games played at the club.

Round 20 in 2006 was the last time Melbourne beat the Roos - back then, they were third on the ladder while North was languishing towards the bottom. Still though, Harvey was one of the best on the day. David Neitz kicked eight goals and Brock McLean racked up possessions at will in the 50-point win but it’s been a long time between drinks.

Five years on, only seven players remain on the Kangaroos’ list from that 2006 side; Harvey, Ed Lower, Hamish McIntosh, Drew Petrie, Brady Rawlings, Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells.

Many players have come and gone in the time since 2006 but Harvey, who celebrates his 33rd birthday on Saturday, remains evergreen with his ability to ignite any crowd and win games off his own boot.

Another win and another dominant performance would make the perfect birthday gift for the number 29.