Ben Cunnington has signed a two-year contract extension with North Melbourne after overcoming cancer to make a successful AFL return this year.
Cunnington underwent surgery in 2021 to have a testicular tumour removed, but a routine check-up earlier this year detected a secondary cancer.
The 31-year-old underwent chemotherapy before making an emotional AFL return two weeks ago, tallying 17 possessions and six clearances in a 29-point loss to Adelaide.
North Melbourne on Tuesday announced Cunnington's inspirational efforts to return to the field had been rewarded with a fresh two-year deal.
The news comes just days after the club secured legendary figure Alastair Clarkson as coach on a five-year contract.
"Ben is a great North Melbourne person, he personifies the spirit of our club," North Melbourne's football talent manager Brady Rawlings said in a statement.
"Our players stand taller when they're around him and after watching the journey he's been on over the past 12 months, our members and supporters' connection to him is as strong as ever.
"Ben's commitment to the club over many years speaks to his loyalty as a player and person. He is as committed to us as we are to him, so we are delighted."
Cunnington has played 229 matches since being snared with pick No.5 at the 2009 national draft.
He won the club's best and fairest award in 2014 and 2019, and looms as a key figure as North starts a fresh chapter under Clarkson.
Earlier this month, Cunnington detailed the emotional toll of his cancer battles in a video posted by the club.
"The first diagnosis was very overwhelming," he said.
"You never think you are going to be that person. You see and hear and read about it, but when it's you, it's very overwhelming.
"We had the operation and we thought that all went good so you sort of just move on.
"But when it returned in one of my check-ups and then the chemo got involved, that's when it got pretty real. It was a bit of a battle, yeah."
