With North’s 2018 season complete, North Media analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review and season highlights. Next up is the VFL-listed Louis Cunningham.

Cunningham’s season

Louis Cunningham played his best footy in the back half for North Melbourne’s VFL side in 2018.

The former Port Melbourne recruit bolstered North’s defensive stocks, providing run and drive out of defence, making big strides in his first season at Arden St.

While he doesn’t rack up the numbers, the 20-year-old’s influence is often understated.

This was highlighted by his disciplined performance on AFL-listed Magpie Josh Smith, limiting the talented forward to just 11 touches and no goals at Avalon Airport Oval.

Showing marked improvement in the season proper, expect the small defender to continue his development on the back of sound advice from his AFL-listed peers.

Statistics

VFL
Games: 16
Disposals: 186 (average 11.6)

Season highlights

Round 9 v Sandringham: 22 disposals, 11 marks, 2 tackles
Round 17 v Frankston: 19 disposals, 10 marks, 1 tackle

What he said

On restricting AFL-listed Magpie Josh Smith

“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.”

What the coach said – Gavin Brown

“Initially we weren’t sure what position he was going to play, but he had a terrific season.

“It worked out that he played some fantastic footy down back for us. His ability to win the ball was first-class this year and he gave us really good drive off half-back.

“He boasts a really nice foot and is really evasive. We gave him a couple of jobs to do, in particular on Josh Smith, who he completely shut-out of the game.

“He really did have a fantastic season.”

In the news

“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.” – Read more 

On social