North Melbourne star Nick Larkey has declared it would be his worst nightmare if he left Arden St before the Kangaroos emerged as a premiership contender.
As he prepares for a major milestone on Sunday, the 25-year-old forward has played in just 20 wins across his first 99 games at North.
Larkey, who was taken with pick 73 in the 2016 draft, is staying loyal to the Kangaroos after signing on at the club until the end of the 2029 season.
The three-time North leading goal-kicker has no ambitions to chase short-term success elsewhere, saying the "tough times are going to make the good times even better".
"Despite the win-loss record I've had, and we've all had, I've still enjoyed every minute I've had at North Melbourne, and that's why I signed up long-term," Larkey said on Monday.
"I didn't sign up thinking it would turn instantly.
"I saw enough last year and previous years to know there were small signs here and there, it might not turn overnight, but I know eventually it will turn.
"My nightmare would be to be at the club for all the tough times, take off, then all of a sudden we get good.
"I want to be a part of the club when it gets good because we've been through the tough times.
"When we do turn it's going to make it even sweeter."
Larkey insists he loves a "challenge" and believes a premiership elsewhere would not feel as satisfying.
"I think anyone can run to a top team and try win a flag, but does that flag mean as much as the one where you've done the hard work and put in the hours through the tough times? I don't think so," he said.
"That's the success I want is the one that is forged through a bit of adversity."
Meanwhile, North young gun Colby McKercher has been cleared of rib damage following a collision with Geelong star Jeremy Cameron during Sunday's 75-point defeat to the Cats.
McKercher was subbed out of the match at quarter-time and sent to hospital for scans.
But last year's No.2 draft pick was given the all-clear and spent the night at home, keeping him in contention to face Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium this Sunday.
