Ben Cunnington has declared himself a “certain starter” for Round 1 and admits to feeling fresh, after missing both of North Melbourne’s JLT series matches.

The damaging midfielder was rested for JLT1 with Brad Scott tinkering with his midfield mix, and was injured at training ahead of JLT2.

“I copped a bit of a knock to the thigh on Wednesday during main training, just before the trip to Adelaide,” Cunnington told North Media.

“It was a decent ‘corkie’ but I’m well and truly over it now and I am a certain starter for next week.”

Cunnington admits missing two games wasn’t ideal, but he holds no fears for the season ahead after a thorough pre-season.

“Up until the past two weeks, I’d completed every session and played every other game,” he said.

“I feel good and the two-week break has actually freshened me up a fair bit, so I will be ready to go in Perth against Fremantle.