There was a sense of irony surrounding Louis Cunningham’s latest match-up for North Melbourne.
A passionate Collingwood fan growing up, there was no research required when the fleet-footed defender found out that he was going to line-up against AFL-listed Magpie Josh Smith.
The versatile and attack-minded defender played his role, restricting the key forward to just 11 possessions and no goals at Avalon Airport Oval.
“It was pretty cool and a surreal experience,” Cunningham told North Media.
“It’s not often you get to play on blokes that you watch on TV every week. I was super grateful for the having that experience. It was a little different to what I’m used to.
“I’ve never really played that lockdown sort of role, but I enjoyed it and I embraced it.
“Anything that I can do to help the team out, I’m willing to do. I’ll sacrifice my own game for the team’s success and play my role.”
“I knew I was going to have (Josh) Smith and that my role was to restrict how much of the ball he gets. After the game, I shook his hand and didn’t really say too much.”
Cunningham is enjoying life at Arden Street, after making the move from Port Melbourne.
With a plethora of resources at this disposal, including a wealth of knowledge from his AFL-listed peers, the 20-year-old is enjoying the structure that comes with playing for an AFL affiliated side.
“It’s heaps different to being at a standalone team,” Cunningham explained.
“The exposure you get playing for an AFL affiliated club is unreal. Being able to work with and train alongside the other AFL-listed players is really cool. They teach you heaps and you learn so much.
“I’ve learnt heaps off the way guys like Benny McKay and 'Durds' (Sam Durdin) and defend, even 'Nielso' (Dan Nielson) as well. Even the running half backs like 'Morgs' (Alex Morgan) and 'Murph' (Tom Murphy) as well.
“They’re similar to my position as well and I’ve been able to pick up things from the way they play. Things like the way they defend and how aggressive they are in their roles, it’s something I try to bring into my game.”
As Cunningham continues his development, the young defender is relishing the opportunity to add elements to his game as he hones his craft under the watch eye of North’s coaching staff.
“I’ve really tried to work on my defensive side,” he said.
“I’m a pretty aggressive defender, my run and carry is one of my strengths along with my kicking. Gavin [Brown] and JD (Jordan Doering) have been helping me with that as well.
“I’m now looking to find a good balance between offence and defence. It’s something I continue to work on.”
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Williamstown at Avalon Airport Oval, with the first bounce at 2.00pm. Entry to home games is free for NMFC members.
