"It was good to finally get back out and start playing games again," Cunnington told RSN Racing and Sport.
The midfielder attributed a lot of his early form to the leaders at Aegis Park.
"This is the most confident I've been feeling. In the first couple of years you're just trying to learn and I've had some great leaders so I'm starting to feel like I belong in the team and I'm part of it.
"All of them have got different sort of traits (Swallow, Wells, Harvey) and each one of them have definitely helped me as an individual since I've been at the club."
In his second full pre-season, Cunnington has had a well-rounded focus, but he picked out his general fitness as the biggest area of improvement. Now smarter with his running, he can't wait for the NAB Cup to begin, a sentiment shared by the group.
"We're definitely looking forward to getting back out there and we feel that most of the boys are starting to gel together. We've played a fair few games as a team so we're hoping to come back out, play some exciting footy and start off with a bang."
In the first five weeks of the season, North Melbourne faces potential top-four finishers in four matches. But it's a challenge that is relished.
"As players we can't really control that (who we play), but we're looking forward to the challenge. If we want to make the finals and be right up there we've got to play against these teams and beat them. So the boys are looking forward to getting out there and playing some good opposition early."
A strong pre-season as well as possible changed roles from a number of Roos could make it possible for a decent start.
"Kieran Harper's had a really good pre-season, he's got really strong and really fit as well as Shaun Atley. We've got a few guys coming through. Sam Gibson has a work ethic like no other."
