North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay has reiterated his love for the Kangaroos ahead of a highly-anticipated call on his future.
McKay is seen as one of the leading names among the pool of eligible free agents, with the key defender said to be on the radar of multiple rival clubs.
Reports this week have suggested that both Carlton and Port Adelaide have McKay on their radar as they await a decision from the 25-year-old.
A key piece of Alastair Clarkson's puzzle at the Roos, McKay and his management have continued to hold discussions as the club hopes to lock away their best backman for the long haul.
McKay could be on the end of offers in the vicinity of $800,000 given his ability at senior level and the demand for available key position talent.
While in no rush to re-sign at Arden Street, McKay has revealed the past several months have been the most enjoyable since he was drafted to North Melbourne in 2015.
"I'm really happy where things are at," McKay told Triple M of where things sit amid negotiations.
"There's been good comms with the club. It's obviously a conversation through my manager, my family and myself we'll keep in-house.
"I'm loving the club. The last three or four months have been the best I've had in seven years.
"The changes we've had, starting from Clarko and Todd Viney, and the maturity of the group from a holistic point of view has been very impressive.
"I can understand the talk but I'm really happy. It'll come to a point where it'll sort itself out."
McKay is currently sidelined for the start of North Melbourne's 2023 campaign due to a bone stress issue in his right foot.
The diagnosis was discovered just over a week out from his side's season opener against West Coast, with a crack in his foot found amid scans assessing a bruise.
The injury is said to be a result of further pressure in McKay's foot due to his running style, which has been impacted in recent seasons due to a previous toe injury.
McKay will resume running at training next week as he eyes a comeback in the coming weeks.
North Melbourne opened their account against the Eagles on Saturday afternoon with a five-point win at Marvel Stadium, with a Round 2 bout against Fremantle in Western Australia scheduled for next Saturday.
