NORTH Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington could spend more time forward this year as he looks to build on his 2014 best-and-fairest season.

Cunnington has emerged as one of the game's elite inside midfielders with his fearless attack on the ball, ability to win clearances and creative handball. 

However, the 23-year-old wants to hurt opposition teams more on the scoreboard after kicking a career-high four goals against the Western Bulldogs in round 21 last season.

"[If I can] get forward a little more as a midfielder and kick a few more goals this year, I feel I can become more dangerous," Cunnington told NMFC.com.au. 

"I’m looking forward to more challenges this year and stepping up.

"I feel I can definitely get a lot better so it’s exciting, it keeps me motivated."

As a 15-year-old, Cunnington came off the bench in the second quarter to boot 10 goals in his country football debut for the Cobden Bombers in the Hampden League. 

He has kicked multiple goals in nine of his 99 career games since being drafted with pick No.5 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

After averaging 22 disposals in 25 games to win his first Syd Barker Medal, Cunnington said he was expecting more attention from opponents in 2015.

As well as pushing forward, building his engine to help combat run-with players has been a focus this pre-season.

"I’ve never been the strongest runner and I’ve also been looking at my running patterns,” he said.

"I feel like I’ve become a lot smarter with that, rather than just running around like a headless chook."