Brent Harvey announced his retirement from the AFL on Friday night as North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow announced he would step down from the role of captain for the 2017 season.
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Speaking at North Melbourne's awards night, Harvey said although he thought he was good enough to play on, he did not want to pull on the jumper of another club.
Harvey said he loved training because he loved spending time with his teammates. "There is no better feeling than running out with 21 of your mates, knowing they have your back," he said.
Earlier, coach Brad Scott thanked Swallow for his service, saying he had been an outstanding leader on and off field.
Scott said Swallow had always stepped up when needed, in big games.
Just before the finals, North Melbourne announced it would not give new contracts to veterans Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito, Drew Petrie and Harvey.
Harvey holds the AFL record for the number of AFL games played, 432, and played in North Melbourne's 1999 premiership team.
He thanked the three senior coaches he had played under - Denis Pagan, Dean Laidley and Scott. Harvey said he was not angry with the club and urged fans to get behind North in 2017.
Former Saint Dal Santo said he had loved his time in football, although he was never a part of a premiership team.
He admitted he felt "heartbroken" watching the Western Bulldogs win the grand final over Sydney.
"I was definitely envious of what they were able to achieve," he said.
One-time rookie Firrito went on to play more than 200 games for the 'Roos.
He told the best and fairest dinner he would most miss teammates, the jokes and stories they shared.
"I'll be watching very closely from the other side of the fence now," he said.
Firrito thanked Scott, saying he had played his best football under the senior coach.
"You've copped a little bit over the last few months, but all you can ever be is honest and up front," Firrito said.
Petrie played more than 300 games for North and recalled when he was new to Melbourne, going to Harvey's family home on a Sunday night for dinner.
He showed his appreciation for the staff at Arden Street, the fans and to the coaches he had played under.
Petrie said his relationship with Scott had changed, from that of a player and coach to a firm friendship.
"I'll cherish our friendship for the rest of my life," he said.
