44. Harry Cunningham (2011 - )

SWANS rookie Harry Cunningham has emerged as a shock contender for a spot in the Swans' round-one side after impressive back-to-back displays during the NAB Cup.

The 18-year-old - who was only taken by the swans with pick No. 93 in the AFL rookie draft after he was overlooked during the national draft - has leap-frogged several young players in the Swans' top squad, including highly fancied draft picks, since joining the club in November.

Click to expand...

Cunningham's two goals in Friday night's two-point loss to Essendon rubbed further salt into the Giants' wounds as the teenager from Wagga Wagga shows what GWS are missing out on.
Cunningham's impressive display has made him an outside chance to play against his former team in the season-opener at ANZ Stadium on March 24, a prospect which looked out of the question when he came to the Swans before Christmas.
"It's been amazing. I didn't expect it at all, but now I've been given the opportunity I'm going to take it with both hands, but the hard work doesn't stop here," Cunningham said.

Click to expand...

The 18-year old from Turvey Park in Wagga Wagga, who was selected with pick 93 in last year’s rookie draft, has exceeded expectations in the NAB Cup, playing in all of the Swans pre-season matches and scoring six goals.

Swans coach John Longmire said the club has been impressed by Cunningham from the moment he arrived at the Swans.

“He has really taken every opportunity from the moment he arrived here, and he was training with the club before he was picked up on the rookie list,” he said.

“He has been really positive and is really coachable ever since he arrived and we thought he had the attributes we were looking for to see him get promoted.”

Click to expand...

Turvey Park teenager Harry Cunningham will make his AFL debut in Saturday night’s Sydney Derby against GWS after been named in the Swans round one side.

Cunningham, who was elevated to the senior list this morning, featured in all of the Swans pre-season matches catching the eye with his impressive pace and finishing ability.

Swans coach John Longmire said that his selection in the Swans first game of the season was a just reward for the work and attitude he has shown since coming to the club in December’s rookie draft.

Click to expand...

“I was so excited when I found out,” Cunningham said.

“I just love footy and all I’ve wanted to do since I was young was play AFL footy, and I guess that’s what’s going to happen this weekend.

“I’m definitely excited to be part of it this weekend because this is going to be historic - especially playing against GWS in their first game.

“I’m just happy to get a game, that’s the main thing. I’m just stoked.”

Click to expand...

BEING drenched by “10 litres of Powerade” was the perfect end to Saturday night for Wagga’s Harry Cunningham.The Sydney Swans debutant was thrilled to be part of Saturday night’s win over Greater Western Sydney after starting as a substitute.
Cunningham was injected into the game just before three-quarter time and finished with four kicks and two marks.
The 18-year-old described the experience as a dream come true.
“It was unbelievable ... there’s so much more hype and excitement compared to a pre-season game,” he said.
“I was a little bit nervous but I think being the sub helped me settle and once you’re out there I was just focused on getting into the game.”

Click to expand...