Ben Cunnington did something on the weekend that, if he was playing at almost any other club, would have caused the football pundits to go into meltdown.

Here at The Forward Pocket we’re all about promoting people doing things off-Broadway, so all hail Cunnington, the people’s champion.

The Kangaroos midfielder didn’t finish the game against Richmond with a win, but he did finish with his name in the AFL-VFL record books.

Cunnington picked up 32 contested possessions against the Tigers.

Just pause for a second and read that again.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

32 contested possessions.

We get excited enough when a player picks up 20 contested touches, but this workhorse just blew those jokers out of the water.

It beat the previous record of 29 held jointly by Patrick Dangerfield and Sydney’s Josh Kennedy, and caused his coach Brad Scott to throw around words like domination, elite, and my personal favourite, a dig at a former rival turned commentator:

FYI, Paul Roos made that comment SEVEN YEARS AGO. Hold a grudge much, Brad?

Cunnington’s entire stat-line against Richmond read 38 disposals, 14 clearances and seven tackles. That’s one hell of a game.

But really, it’s been one hell of a season for the man who puts his form down to drinking chocolate milk.

He’s an old-fashioned footballer, Cunnington, he doesn’t ask to be lauded for his efforts, and seems like one of those guys who would be equally as pleased blocking for his teammates as he would be getting a clearance.

But even so, he’s ranked above average in most of the major statistical categories for a midfielder, and elite in clearances, contested possessions and ground-ball gets.

That deserves celebrating, even if, as North’s media boss points out, Cunnington’s reluctant to celebrate it himself.

Shout-out to this guy

Sometimes you really have to wonder. This bloke obviously left the phone at home. Staggering.