North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson has paid tribute to Ben Cunnington as the Kangaroos champion prepares to play his final game against Essendon on Saturday.

Cunnington announced his retirement on Tuesday, 11 days after his former captain Jack Ziebell also confirmed this season will be his last.

"These guys have been such great players for our footy club," said Clarkson. 

"(Saturday's game) at home against the Bombers is a chance for all our members to get there and say thanks for what's been a stellar career for our footy club."

Cunnington will retire on 238 games, 20th on the Kangaroos' all-time list.

"He's been such a decorated servant," Clarkson said. 

"Probably the most endearing feature for me is his humility. He's so much about the team and others, and doesn't ever seek the fanfare.

"But anyone who's played with him and certainly those who coach against him or play against him, they know they've been in a contest when they've played against Ben Cunnington.

"Unfortunately, his last three or four years have been been riddled by misfortune, with having to recover from two bouts of cancer.

"But in the first 10 years of his footy career, jeez he was tough to play on.

"He's so thick set and hard to move in contests.

"He was tough and brave, and very, very clever with his hands. All his teammates just love him because he's so humble."