Ben Cunnington

Ben Cunnington (born, on and around a dairy farm 30 June 1991) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Cunnington was drafted to North Melbourne with the 5th selection in the 2009 AFL Draft.

Cunnington plays predominantly as an inside midfielder, and he can play in the forward line to accommodate the midfield rotations.

Cunnington made his senior debut for Cobden at the age of 15. In his first game against Camperdown he kicked ten goals after coming on the ground just before half time. Cunnington's other junior football highlights included earning NAB AFL U18 Championships All-Australian honours and finishing runner up in the TAC Cup Morrish Medal where he averaged 23 disposals (11 contested) and six marks. Cunnington missed the 2009 AFL Draft Camp through minor injuries.

Geelong Falcons regional manager Michael Turner described Cunnington as the most professional player I have seen in 15 years of TAC Cup.

Cunnington was drafted by North Melbourne with the 5th overall selection of the 2009 AFL Draft from the Geelong Falcons.

2010

Cunnington made his debut in Tasmania against Hawthorn in Round 5 of the 2010 season. He gathered 12 disposals helping North Melbourne to a 12-point win and their second victory of the season.

Cunnington would go on to play out the remainder of the season averaging 14 disposals, 4 tackles and taking 43 marks over the 18 games. He kicked his first goal against Brisbane in Round 11 (his only goal for the season).

2014

In 2014, Cunnington was awarded his first Syd Barker Medal for being North Melbourne's best and fairest player for the season.

2016

Cunnington was most likely one of North's most consistent player all year, leading the team in contested possessions at an average of 12 and clearances at an average of 5.7.

Cunnington founded the Shinboner Cattle Company in 2016.