Rhyce Shaw admits he didn't realise just how good Ben Cunnington was until he joined the club this year as an assistant coach. 

Cunnington, who is set to play his 200th game this weekend, has long been appreciated at Arden Street for his elite skills as an inside midfielder, but perhaps doesn't get the praise he deserves externally. 

“He’s astounded me,” the North interim coach said. 

“Having the chance to see him first hand since I've come here, he’s an absolute beast in the contest.”

Shaw said Cunnington had stepped up this season and was playing some of the best football of his career.

“He’s playing some super footy,” Shaw said.

“He got heavily tagged last week and still had 31 touches and 14 clearances. He’s just gone to another level.”

Cunnington sits third in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year voting, and averages 29.2 disposals and 8.5 clearances a game. 

But Shaw believes he will only get better. 

“He’s still only a young man, so he’s still got a bit of improvement to go.”