Ben Cunnington says he’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to play 200 games at North Melbourne.

While the midfielder admits he’s not generally one to celebrate his achievements, becoming just the 32nd Shinboner to reach the milestone is extra special.

“To be honest I couldn’t care less about the accolades and individual awards and all that, but when you are a young boy and all your dream was, was to play AFL footy … to reach a hundred was pretty cool, but to reach 200 it’s something I am actually proud of,” he said on the Powershop Players Podcast.

Hailing from Princetown, three hours from Melbourne, an 18-year-old Cunnington first arrived at the Arden Street in 2009.

“North Melbourne … I can’t be thankful enough for what they’ve done for me and my family, just welcoming me and supporting me,” he said.

“Before getting drafted, around my pick, there was a lot of interstate clubs. And of course, when you are young, you just want to get drafted.

“Thinking back, if I went interstate, I reckon I really would have struggled. It was tough enough coming to the city and a new environment. It had its tough times of home-sickness and whatever else.

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

Cunnington said he’d play football for as long as he can, but for the moment is simply loving every moment in the royal blue and white.

“As you get older, and with a couple of kids, you appreciate things more and you don’t take things for granted,” he continued.

“Footy’s probably one thing now … when you are running out and putting the North Melbourne jumper on, it definitely has more meaning.

“The rich history behind it … you’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.”