Since returning from injury in Round 3 against the Western Bulldogs, Ben Cunnington has churned out the consistent and contested performances North Melbourne fans have come to expect, and Sunday was no different.

Despite the eventual disappointment of the draw, Cunnington was once again one of the game’s top performers, finishing with 25 disposals, 2 goals and a game-high 9 clearances.

The quality of shifts he’s putting in is being discussed around the AFL, most recently on SEN by Tim Watson and Garry Lyon.

“He’s one of the best inside mids in the game … his ability to gain possession of the ball and deliver it by hand or by foot is elite,” Watson said.

“He’s as good as anyone in the competition at being able to do that. He’s a great player to be able to build a midfield around.

“Cunnington is a superstar inside-midfielder.”

With the veteran Cunnington being bookended by a number of young and exciting midfielders, North’s future in the middle of the park is bright.

Watson says if this young side continues to improve as it is, it won’t be long until the results come.

“There are some really good signs about the way they’re developing, their ball movement, their ability to be able to adhere to a game plan, their pressure around the ball,” he said.

“(Jy) Simpkin is really good, (Tom) Powell is really developing nicely as well … (Tarryn) Thomas is a really talented young kid.

“They’re improving. In all aspects of the game they’re improving.”