There has never been a time when North Melbourne forward Nick Larkey has considered his future anywhere other than Arden Street.
But that didn't stop rivals attempting to pry him out of the Kangaroos.
Prior to his monster contract extension in 2023 that locked him away for a further five years, taking him until the end of 2029, clubs, like Sydney, had come for the key forward.
Larkey's decision to stay put was a show of faith to North Melbourne and the direction the club is heading in, which will make success that much sweeter.
"Sydney expressed interest," Larkey said on Channel 7's Unfiltered.
"I never met with them, face to face. But they expressed interest, and a couple other clubs.
"I was flattered by it. At the end of the day, I couldn't bring myself to face the group and tell them, 'lads, I don't believe in you guys', is effectively what you're saying."
"I've done the hard yards. At some point, it's going to turn, and you have to make it turn, and I can finally see the structure of the list, and the way boys are maturing, that it is going to turn.
"But when it does, I want to be part of it. Winning a flag is unbelievable in any circumstances, but for me personally, it would be mean so much more winning it here."
Larkey was taken with Pick 73 in the 2016 National Draft, and has endured arguably the most tumultuous period of North Melbourne's history.
Since 2021, the 26-year-old has been building his game that, from an individual perspective, has reached incredible heights, culminating in a 71-goal campaign two years ago and a maiden All-Australian blazer.
"It was never on my radar to think I would be an All-Australian, or lead the club's goal kicking," Larkey added.
"The way the club has put faith in me, and set me up to do well, has actually helped me as well.
"At Pick 73, I didn't have any expectations put on my shoulders. I feel bad for these young draftees who are really high picks.
"Whereas I had a free swing at it."
Larkey has become one of the dead-eye forwards of the AFL, ranking among the top exponents of goal-kicking.
Throughout his career, he has slotted 253 goals and 89 behinds.
And his start to 2025 suggests he's got more to give.
The Kangaroos and Larkey will take centre stage on Good Friday when they face Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
