The hard-nosed inside midfielder gathered 29 possessions in the come-from-behind 10-point win at ABD Group Stadium.
North Melbourne development coach John Lamont agrees Cunnington’s stand-out performance will edge him closer to an AFL debut.
“Ben was very solid today and spent 107 minutes on the field which is great. We have put a firm focus on raising his game-time in order to improve his match fitness,” Lamont told kangaroos.com.au.
Cunnington’s statistics sheet also boasted four tackles, six marks and a goal.
“It was a pretty decent snap from a stoppage at a key time in the game and it showed that Ben can kick truly under pressure from about 35 metres. He was very dangerous when he was resting up forward.”
Fellow draftee Brayden Norris also starred and took his game to a new level.
“Brayden is lightly framed and he’s developing his attack on the footy. He has a great deal of determination and played a crucial role for North Ballarat with 21 touches and two goals. He plays in front which is great for a young player and works well with the other forwards.”
North Ballarat had a slow start to the match and trailed by 28 points at halftime but rallied behind the likes of Daniel Pratt (18 disposals), Warren Benjamin (24 disposals), Cruize Garlett (21 disposals), Luke Delaney (12 disposals, 4 spoils) and Corey Jones (16 disposals, six clearances) with six unanswered goals in the third quarter.
“It was great to see the side get back into the match and come out fighting after the long break. Luke Delaney did a great job as a key defender and back-up ruckman. He played with some real energy and gave Cunnington and Garlett first use of the footy. Warren Benjamin managed to get his hands on the ball and linked in well with his handballs.”
Josh Smith provided a strong target up forward and pulled down six marks to compliment a two goal, three behind return. The significant momentum swing enough to deliver the Roosters a win.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention Marcus White and the great job he did tagging Robin Nahas out of the game. Marcus had a great influence negating his impact.”
It wasn’t all positive news however with live-wire North forward Matt Campbell suffering a minor ankle injury in the first half while mobile forward Aaron Black succumbed to a groin strain.
“We’re hoping that both won’t be out for too long with their respective injuries…I’m hearing it may only be a week for both but we have to wait on scans to be sure.”
North Ballarat: 12.13.85
Coburg: 11.9.75
