Cunnington produced a stirring comeback in the VFL last weekend after recovering from two bouts of testicular cancer, and being kept out of the game since last July.
The gun on-baller tweaked a calf and produced a positive COVID test as he neared a return in recent weeks, but he pulled up from his first match in 379 days with only some general soreness.
Cunnington will play against the Crows at Adelaide Oval and could then make an emotional appearance in front of home fans when the Kangaroos' 2022 campaign ends against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium in round 23.
Hours before the final selection decision was made, North Melbourne interim coach Leigh Adams said Cunnington deserved a say in whether he plays against Adelaide.
"He's done so much for this footy club for such a long period of time that basically between our coaches, the medical team and Ben, we'll make that call," Adams told reporters.
"But I'm pretty sure he'll want to be on that flight."
Cunnington gathered 18 possessions – including the first clearance of the match – against Sydney in the VFL last Sunday.
The six-day turnaround between matches was one of the considerations around whether Cunnington was picked in the senior side this week.
"It's just about giving him the best opportunity to still contribute as well," Adams said.
"He's such a proud person, he'll still expect to go out there and get 30 touches because that's the sort of champion he is."
Cameron Zurhaar will be looking to continue his strong form after kicking 13 goals in four matches under Adams' coaching reign.
The out-of-contract forward is reportedly a trade target for Essendon but Adams expects Zurhaar to make a decision on his future once the club's next coach is confirmed.
"He's playing some good footy at the moment. I'd personally love him to stay," Adams said.
"He'd probably want to know who is going to be the coach next year. That's fair enough, everyone would like to know who their boss is when they're going to work.
"Hopefully that gets sorted and then that makes it easier for him to make a decision, and hopefully that is to stay here."
Key defender Ben McKay is expected to be available for the clash with Adelaide after being a late withdrawal last week due to a shoulder issue.
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