North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey believes Ben Cunnington is the best contested ball winner in the competition.

“Contested footy, that’s what he does, and I think he’s the best at in the competition,” Carey said on Channel 7 on Sunday.

“Toughness, team-orientated, team-first. He makes his teammates around him around him look better.

“As a player, I think he’s one of the toughest in-and-under on-ballers in the competition.” 

While his ability to win the footy in the contest has started to gain more plaudits in 2019, Carey says there are other areas of his game that are still highly underrated. 

“His, “don’t argue”,” Carey said of Cunnington’s trademark fend-off. 

“We talk about Dusty Martin because his are more obvious, but Cunnington does it in and around traffic.

“He’s got a great ability to break tackles, and he’s just so strong through the core.”

Carey is no stranger to a big mark, and he believes Cunnington’s ability in the air is also a serious asset.

“That’s the most underrated thing about him, I think he’s very capable above his head,” he said.

“It’s one of his hidden strengths that I don’t think gets used enough.”