Cunnington relishes chance to lead Baby Bombers

In fact, it’s something the Bomber utility relishes. 

“Ever since I have played sport from a young age, whether it be basketball or swimming, I’ve always liked the pressure of being a leader — taking the last shot, swimming last in a relay or kicking for goal,” he said.

Cunnington will lead Cobden out for the first time as skipper on Saturday night in its Hampden league season-opener against Hamilton Kangaroos. He’s content, despite being just 20 years old, with being the man charged with leading a new era of Baby Bombers.

“It comes from my family,” he said of his drive and determination. 

“Dad’s a competitive person and mum, being a perfectionist, brought me up to do what you do well.

“Every task I want to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

Cobden’s playing list voted for its leadership group with Cunnington the unanimous choice as skipper.

The Camperdown-based apprentice builder replaces new playing co-coach Paul Foster, two games shy of his 200th senior appearance, in the role.

Leigh Rosolin and the VFL-listed Brody Mahoney are vice-captains and Jake Evans deputy vice-captain.

Brendan Richardson and Damon Delaney round out the Bombers’ leadership group. “Every year I play football I seem to set myself goals at the start of pre-season and this year, especially after losing so many players, I thought it was time I chased it,” Cunnington said. 

“When I found out, Wayne (Robertson) and Paul said I have been elected because of how I conduct myself and go about things.”

Cunnington made his debut at 16 in 2010 and became a permanent fixture in the Bombers’ line-up the following season.

The 2012 grand final player’s durability has proven one of his biggest assets — his four full senior seasons have reaped 70 senior games.

“I take footy pretty seriously. The first year I wanted to walk on and have a big impact like a few mates in the opposition had,” he said.

“I had a slow start and every year I improved on that a little bit.

“Last year we had a poor finish to the year as a team and I told myself I wanted to do everything right but take a more relaxed approach.

“Not only with footy but with life. In the off season I played for (Country Basketball League side) Timboon Taipans and that brought the best out in me.”

Cobden finished eighth last season with a 6-12 win/loss record.

Three of those wins came in the first four weeks — a purple patch the club couldn’t replicate.

Cunnington believes the Bombers can better that result this season.

He will use his older brother, North Melbourne midfielder Ben, to help him navigate his first year as captain.

“We are best mates and if I ever have a question I call him and if he ever has a question or theory he runs it by me,” Cunnington said.

“As soon as I found out on Thursday night I excused myself, went straight to my phone and Ben was the first person I texted and I’ve already asked Ben for advice about how to go about warm ups and rehab.”

Cobden will field an inexperienced team under Robertson and Foster. But Cunnington is confident the Bombers have the nucleus of a strong side.

“This year we’ve lost about 20 experienced players but I reckon we have good balance,” he said. 

“A lot of our juniors have tasted success in junior teams and the players who have stuck around with the senior side of things are pretty determined and keen.

“We think we are in a great position to surprise a lot of opposition teams.

“Unfortunately one team has to be picked for the spoon (in the media) and we are happy to wear that for now but we are pretty confident we won’t be in the bottom end of the ladder.”