After 379 long days, North Melbourne Kangaroos champion Ben Cunnington returned to competitive football at Arden Street Oval on Sunday.

A tweaked calf and a positive COVID test delayed the long-awaited comeback date, but thankfully, the 31-year-old had no issues this week and made it through the day unscathed.

The inside midfielder started the game in typical Cunnington fashion winning the first contested possession and clearance of the contest.

He finished with 18 disposals and three clearances before coming off at three-quarter time and was glad to back in the thick of things.

"It was unreal, I usually try to be a level fella but I was a bit excited today to get back and just play footy," Cunnington told reporters.

"It’s been a bit of a journey with rehab but to get back out there and play the game I love … I thoroughly enjoyed it."

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Cunnington also spoke about the decision to return via the VFL instead of the AFL.

"We were unsure whether to go straight back in (to the AFL) because it was a home game with the seniors," he said.

"It was more for my friends and family that have been on the journey, it wasn’t just myself.

"It was a fair experience and journey we went through and I wasn’t on my own, so it was more to celebrate with all of them."