HAMISH McIntosh is adamant his future lies at North Melbourne despite persistent speculation he could find himself at a new club in 2012.

McIntosh will play his first senior game in this week's final home and away match of the season, which will also be the 100th of his career.

The ruckman battled an Achilles injury for much of the season before returning via VFL team Werribee, but he has been unable to return to the mantle of No. 1 ruckman after the rapid emergence of Todd Goldstein.

While trade whispers have linked him to Richmond, which has declared its interest in recruiting an established ruckman, McIntosh said he was committed to North Melbourne, where he is contracted until the end of 2013.

"I've signed a contract and I'm very happy at North Melbourne, they've been fantastic to me … It's all been what the media said from the outside but it’s more important to me what's been said on the inside," McIntosh told kangaroosfc.com.au on Tuesday.

"Between (coach) Brad (Scott) and (football operations manager) Donald McDonald and all the football staff, I'm very happy how it's tracking … I love North Melbourne and I look forward to hopefully playing here for another four or five years.''

He said he and Goldstein could fit in the one team and form a handy partnership in the ruck.

"What I'm looking forward to next year is Todd having a full pre-season and me having a full pre-season (and both) getting into the side and being a really dangerous presence," he said.

"But first of all I just want to get out there this week and play AFL footy again. It’s been a year since I've played and I just can't wait to get out there and play with the boys."

He said he was thrilled to finally reach his milestone after a frustrating season, which included two bouts of surgery.

"It's a bit of reward for effort, really. It's great to be able to come in and get one game - it's my 100th - so that's great," he said.

"And its Brady's (Rawlings) last game, so I can't wait to get out there on Sunday.''