Cunnington, 21, has signed with the Magpies for the 2016 season.

The utility captained the Bombers last season and was identified as a long-term leader at the club.

Cunnington said the move was made in his best interests – on and off the field.

“Of course it’s a unique situation and there are a lot of mixed emotions and feelings towards it, but at the end of the day I feel the change is best suited to me as an individual,” he said.

“The last couple of years I haven’t been enjoying my football as much as I should be and my life is now based in Camperdown – I live and work there.”

Cunnington joined Cobden as a junior and progressed through the ranks, playing 84 senior games in six seasons.

But he said a change of environment would help him develop his football further.

He stressed “Camperdown didn’t poach me”.

“I just want to play footy and enjoy it, not burn bridges or step on anyone’s toes,” Cunnington said. 

“I started my junior career going to school at Cobden and the football club was generous enough to find me a job in Cobden but now I am older and my life is in Camperdown. Cobden gave me a lot of opportunities and helped me through tough times, especially when my dad was sick. I appreciate Cobden for everything they have done for me.”

Camperdown coach Phil Carse said Cunnington would add another dimension to the Magpies’ leadership group. 

"I am really, really impressed by his attitude and his ability to communicate,” he said.

Carse wants the versatile Cunnington to boost the Pies’ onball brigade.

"He is a big-bodied midfielder who can play inside and out. I am excited to see him step up and be one of the elite midfielders in the competition,” he said.