AFTER a breakthrough performance against Essendon a fortnight ago, David Cuningham knows it’s all about consistency going forward.

The 23-year-old put together a best-on-ground performance against the Bombers in Round 4, collecting a career-high 28 disposals.

Ahead of this Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs and the first in the Gold Coast hub, Cuningham said he looked at the Essendon game as the platform for future performances.

“That Bombers game is a bit of a benchmark game now so I’ll be looking to emulate that going forward,” Cuningham said. 

 “I guess I’m sort of happy playing in both roles at the moment, whatever the team needs. We’ve got a very versatile group in there that a lot of boys can play in the midfield and rotate forward.” 

While the season is changing week-to-week, Senior Coach David Teague mentioned the Club has set training sessions that should optimise recovery for five-day turnarounds. 

The shorter quarters do seem to provide an advantage to the playing group in terms of recovery and injury, with Cuningham noting that the team is recovering faster than usual. 

“The shorter quarters do allow you to recover a bit quicker,” he said. 

 “There’s not as much risk of injury. It’s amazing how quickly you can recover physically and mentally once you know the schedule is that way.”

Constantly learning in his role as a half forward, Cuningham said Carlton’s three-pronged attack with Levi Casboult, Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay was something he enjoyed working with.

He said the trio would continue to gel with more consistent game time.

“They’re working well together, even if it’s not showing on the scoreboard yet, but that will come in time,” he said.

“They do bring the ball to the ground so we can crumb a few goals so [I’m] happy to have them there.”