Just six rounds have been played in the home and away season, but Cunnington told Radio Sport National on Thursday, the time to perform is now.
“If we want to play finals, this is a must-win game,” he said.
“All of us boys are pretty keen to get back out and get back on the winners board.”
And the Bulldogs’ ladder position (13th) won’t make the Kangaroos complacent, especially after the fight they showed to fall just short of Collingwood.
“The pressure early was good against the Pies and their midfielders are starting to get into some form so it’s going to be a good test for us.”
Despite sitting outside the eight, Cunnington says North Melbourne has improved in 2012, with its three defeats coming against sides in the top four.
“Sydney and West Coast are obviously pretty good teams. If you look back to last year when we played the top teams like Collingwood, they beat us by over 100-points,” he said.
“We know we’re improving, but we’re just not doing like the little things right. They are winnable games as some of the stats have been showing.”
Brad Scott has echoed Cunnington’s words following his team’s defeats this year, with ascendancy in contested ball and clearances not correlating on the scoreboard.
Cunnington says more focus on defensive pressure is paramount to turning that around.
“It is good as an offensive side of the game, but we’re just trying to get that balance right between the offensive and defensive,” he added.
“It’s always a focus, and we’re always working on it, it’s just a matter of putting it into place on game day.”
For Cunnington, this year is about taking his own game to another level. Shifted across several positions and at times struggling to impact matches last year, he has a point to prove in his third season and has already been a noticeable improver.
He’s gathered more than 20 possessions in three games and booted a career-best three goals against the Eagles with extended stints in attack.
“Of late I’ve been going down forward just a little bit, just to bring a bit more versatility into my game. Instead of just going through the midfield and defence, myself and Jack Ziebell have been going forward a little bit.”|
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 13th May 2012, 1.10pm
Etihad Stadium
Gates open at 11.30am.
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