NORTH Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh has moved on from the disappointment of being floated in October's exchange period, saying he wants to stay with the Roos for the rest of his career.

McIntosh, 24, was contacted by senior coach Dean Laidley while on the end-of-season trip, advising him rival clubs were interested in his services even though he had signed a three-year deal in June.

Midfielder Daniel Harris and forward Corey Jones were also on the trade table but, like McIntosh, will remain at North in 2009.

And, as Sunday's Herald Sun reports, McIntosh has no hard feeling towards Laidley or the club.

"I honestly don't hold any grudges," he said. "It's one of those things that happens in football these days.

"I was disappointed when it happened, because never at any stage did I want to leave North Melbourne. I love the club.

"But that's the way the AFL goes. It is a bit of a business. You can't take things to heart.

"I've had my meetings with Laids and Donald McDonald (chief of football). We've all had a good chat about it.

"I've got a three-year contract and I want to stay here for the rest of my career," he added.

"I'd love to stay and play with my mates at the footy club and, hopefully, play in premierships."

McIntosh played 14 games in 2008, missing eight weeks with a knee injury plus the elimination final against the Sydney Swans.

He said his knee didn't feel right towards the end of the year, but has commenced pre-season training with the aim of reclaiming North's chief ruck post.