Ageless former AFL star Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey collects best on ground in 500th footy match coming back from a broken leg

• North Melbourne champion played 432 AFL games
• Continues to play park footy in retirement
• Mad a staggering comeback at age 46

Evergreen former AFL star Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey, continues to defy age and expectations, proving that class is indeed permanent.

Harvey, who played 432 AFL games for North Melbourne and was part of the 1999 premiership team, celebrated his 500th senior game in style over the weekend, delivering a stunning best-on-ground performance.

The Australian Football Hall of Famer booted seven goals to help North Heidelberg secure a come-from-behind victory over NFNL Division 1 rival Greensborough.

Almost 15 months after suffering a severe leg injury in Round 1 last season, the four-time All Australian made a triumphant return to the football field, reminding everyone of his enduring class.

North Heidelberg triumphed 18.2 (110) to 14.10 (94) at War Memorial Reserve, with Harvey playing a pivotal role in the 16-point win.

Displaying an extraordinary level of goalkicking prowess, the 46-year-old was almost unstoppable, showing no signs of rust in his comeback game.

Footy fans were left in awe, with many taking to social media to praise the veteran’s phenomenal performance.

‘Could easily be playing senior AFL footy. Not long until we have our first 40-year-plus player. He should nominate for the draft, Boomer,’ one fan posted.

Another added, ‘Guys pushing 50 and is still an absolute gun.’

Harvey remained modest after his stellar performance. “It was good to be back out there again,” he told the Herald Sun.

‘I just enjoyed having a kick with my mates. Most importantly, it was a good win for the team.’

Harvey had broken his leg in April last year and hinted at a possible comeback this season.

In February, he stated, ‘I’m not 100 per cent sure how that (a return) all looks at the minute. Having 12 months off of footy has made me realize how much I love the game.

‘I do have a saying I like to go by which is ‘never say never’ so we might stick with that. I know there’ll be opportunities for me to play games here and there so we’ll see what happens.’

His magical return came at a crucial time for North Heidelberg, with its finals hopes on the line.

Despite trailing all day after Greensborough’s six-goal opening term, taking a 25-point lead at quarter-time, North Heidelberg slowly worked their way back into the contest.

The margin was 17 points at half-time and narrowed to a single kick at the final change. Led by Harvey and league-leading goalkicker Parker Harvey (three goals), North Heidelberg achieved a near-perfect 90 percent success rate in front of goals.