Homesick for the family farm and dropped to the VFL, North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington wasn’t having a good time of things. But the youngster picked himself up after two demotions in the second half of the 2011 AFL season to finish off strongly and after six rounds this year, he suddenly feels like a senior player. The kid from the Cobden area kicked a career-high three goals in last week’s loss to West Coast and will feature prominently in Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney’s plans for Sunday’s game at Etihad Stadium. Cunnington has kicked 12 goals, including seven this season, since being the No.5 pick in the 2009 draft. The 20-year-old is averaging 18 disposals per game, four higher than his career average. “It was a bit about fitness but a bit of form, confidence, homesick. All of those little things add up,” Cunnington said this week of his struggles in 2011. “I’m originally from Princetown but Cobden is my local footy club which is about 40 minutes away. “It’s only a three-hour trip (from Melbourne). Knowing I can get home in any emergency … “I’m a lot better now. I was just struggling a lot with the country life compared to the city life, and being around my family. “We grew up pretty isolated in the bush on a dairy farm, about five minutes from the Twelve Apostles, so you’re just with your family all day except for school. “When you’re in bad form things run through your head. I struggled a bit there. “But now I’m playing some good footy and my family’s still supporting me heaps, mum and dad and two younger brothers and a younger sister. “I’m just in a better place now. “I’ve just recently bought my own house. My girlfriend Belinda Hintum and I are going along strong.” “… I actually feel a part of the senior team now so I’m just starting to settle in.” The Kangaroos (3-3) and the Bulldogs (2-4) both need a win to stay in touch with the top eight. Cunnington said he rated the Western Bulldogs’ inside midfielders highly. “But I believe that’s our strength as well with Jack Ziebell, myself and Andrew Swallow leading the way now and Ryan Bastinac,” Cunnington said. North have recalled ruckman Todd Goldstein and defender Cameron Delaney and promoted 18-year-old debutant Brad McKenzie. The Bulldogs regain forwards Jarrad Grant, Ayce Cordy and Tory Dickson. Cunnington said he was privileged to wear the No.10 jumper. “He (ex-skipper Anthony Stevens) was as tough as nails and I’m trying to do the same,” Cunnington said.