The 20 year-old was one of the best players in Friday night’s NAB Cup opener and although it wasn’t a regular season match, Cunnington says he can still take a lot from the first game of the new year.
“I was pretty happy after Friday night’s match. This is the first pre-season where I haven’t struggled with an injury so I had more confidence leading into the game,” he told kangaroos.com.au.
“Previously I felt a bit hesitant going into games when I was a bit underdone or not quite right in my body so it was good to finally feel fit and strong which gave me more belief in myself.”
Cunnington spent time in defence last season but he is looking forward to getting back in the midfield and hopes his improved fitness will make him a formidable force through the centre.
“I’ve spoken with Croc (Darren Crocker) and Scotty (Brad Scott) and they’ve said they see me as a midfielder which is what I see myself as, so hopefully I can play most of my footy there.
“I feel privileged that they’ve had faith in me in the past when they’ve let me go through there. Now that I’ve had a really good pre-season, I feel like I’m ready to play in the midfield and hopefully stay there as long as possible.”
Having signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until the end of 2014, Cunnington is thrilled to be at North Melbourne and is looking forward to future success.
“I love the club and as I’ve said before, they’ve had great faith in me so I’m happy here and ready to repay the faith. I’m just hoping to play my role week in, week out and hopefully enhance the team’s performance to win more games.
“With a more favourable fixture this year and a strong list hopefully we can play finals for the first time since I’ve been here.”
