Ben Cunnington has moved a step closer to being a one-club player after putting put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old has moved into the elite category as an inside midfielder, with his clearance and contested possessions among the best in the game.

“I can’t imagine playing for any other club and leaving never crossed my mind,” he said.

“I can’t thank the club enough for what they’ve done for me and my family, just welcoming me and supporting me.

“They’ve (the Kangaroos) shown full support and belief in me to be the person I am today.”

The decision to accept the new deal, which keeps him at Arden St until at least the end of 2022, was an easy one to make for Cunnington, who recently outlined his love for North in an episode of the Powershop Players Podcast .

“When you are running out and putting the North Melbourne jumper on, it definitely has more meaning,” he said.

“The rich history behind it … we’re just not playing for ourselves, you are playing for the other thousand Shinboners who’ve represented us before, and the whole club.

“It’s definitely got a lot more meaning and I’m trying to appreciate that more as I get older.”

The 2014 Syd Barker Medallist grateful for the support the club has shown.

Cunnington was drafted to North with pick 5 in 2009 and celebrated his 200th game in Round 13.