Speaking with the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark, Cunnington couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I’m rapt, obviously the club has shown heaps of faith with me and I couldn’t be happier at North and I want to repay them and stick a round for a few more years and hopefully take my footy to the next level and have a good year,” he said.
“We have a young list and now we are all starting to come through together and come into our third and fourth years together, and after our second trip to Utah, we are getting fitter and more experienced. It’s very exciting and hopefully we crack the eight this year."
Taken with pick five in the 2009 National Draft, the tough midfielder believes the club’s future is in good hands.
“(I’ve) Never had any doubt with North, I couldn’t be happier here and with the exciting list coming through, it’s looking great for the future and over the next couple of years, I reckon North will be right up there.
“With the coaches and facilities, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else, I’m happy at North.”
Cunnington joins a raft of young and talented players to have penned new deals at Aegis Park in recent times and acknowledges there are a few names he’d like to see follow suit.
“Hopefully they (Goldstein and Bastinac) jump on board because the club’s going in the right direction. Exciting times ahead. I’ve done my part in sticking around, it’s up to them now.”
With his second trip to Utah now under his belt, the 20-year old hopes to have a breakout year on the field.
“… I felt pretty fit over there last year but I came back and hurt my knee, but this year I’m running quicker times and the body is holding up so I haven’t had any niggles or anything so far… hopefully I keep going through injury free and get through every session and I’m pretty confident I will have a good year.
“… I’ve had two interrupted pre-seasons and have just played catch-up throughout the whole year. If I get a full preseason this year hopefully I will come out and play better footy than in previous years and help the team succeed.”
Christmas on Arden Street , Saturday December 10 at Aegis Park, 11am-2pm - click here for more information
