Harry Cunningham’s journey to 200 AFL games with Sydney Swans

As loyal as they come, Harry Cunningham has been one of the key stalwarts in Sydney Swans’ history. He charts his journey to 200 AFL games with LACHLAN MCKIRDY.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Harry Cunningham of the Swans and team mates run onto the field during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers at SCG, on June 29, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

When it comes to unassuming players in the AFL, they don’t fly more under the radar than Sydney defender Harry Cunningham.

Having debuted all the way back in 2012, the 30-year-old has put together a career defined by reliability and consistency.

And as he prepares to return this Sunday against the Lions to play his 200th game, he’s more than happy to continue going unnoticed if it means he’s doing his job for the Swans.

“I’ve always tried to base my game off what I can do to help the team and be a good teammate,” Cunningham said.

“I’d honestly rather fly under the radar. I just like playing footy, having fun.

“One thing I do really love is seeing other people thrive. So whatever I can do to help the team and help other players play really well is what I love to do.

“So, I’ve had a great journey and one that will continue, and I love seeing these young boys come through and play some really good footy.”

Cunningham has entrenched himself as part of the fabric of the Swans. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Cunningham’s milestone is all the more significant when you consider just how hard he has worked to get to this point.

He first joined the Swans as the 93rd pick in the 2011 rookie draft out of the Riverina Netball Football League. Cunningham impressed immediately and played in round one in the first ever Sydney Derby, but that would be his only appearance for the year as he returned to their NEAFL side.

The teenager turned heads enough to be elevated from the rookie list as the very last selection in the 2012 draft, pick 107. It’s not necessarily the natural progression for a player who would go on to earn life membership at an AFL club, but he’s always found a way to make it work.

And against Brisbane he will become just the 36th player to bring up the double century for the Swans.

The small defender (2L) is one of the longest-serving players at the Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It’s pretty special,” Cunningham said. “Everyone always says that you only expect to play one game. So it’s pretty special to be able to play 200 and play at a special club like the Swans.

“I’m very grateful to be here and continuing to play footy. And I’m really looking forward to my family and friends celebrating it as well because as all footy players, you don’t get to where you are without their support.

“Everyone has their battles with whatever they’re going through, obviously with injuries and form. But one thing I’ve tried to do is really enjoy that process and really have fun with it.”

Of late, the biggest battle for Cunningham has been continually proving to coach John Longmire that he deserves a place in the Swans’ best 23.

In 2019, he only appeared nine times for the Bloods. But his hardest challenge was sitting on the sidelines as Sydney marched their way to the grand final in 2022. After a combination of injury, Covid and form saw him lose his place in the team, there were genuine questions about what the future held for the third-longest serving player on the Swans’ list.

Cunningham’s patience got him through a tough 2022 on the field. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He’s never been one to take any game for granted, but returning in 2023 to play every single game for Sydney is easily one of the greatest achievements of his career. He received the Barry Round Best Clubman award to cap off his remarkable turnaround.

“It’s something I sort of got a hold on later in my career,” Cunningham said. “You never know when it can end so you’ve got to be able to enjoy it while you can.

“I’m still grateful and lucky to be able to do what I love, and I’ve always wanted to do this as my job. I’ve always wanted to play footy. So I try to think of myself back when I was four or five years old, started playing footy, and this is what I wanted to do.

“It is great to be able to get back in the team and hold that spot, but I’ve still got some things to achieve I reckon, and particularly us as a team.”

Cunningham is likely to be thrown straight into the deep end against the Lions as he goes head-to-head against Charlie Cameron. He relishes the tasks of going up against the best small forwards in the competition, and more often than not, comes out on top.

The Riverina product is a key part of the Swans’ push for a flag in 2024. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“You always love to be able to play against the best players in the comp,” Cunningham said. “In the position I play, I come up against some good forwards every week and I get another challenge this week.”

And while they’ll be hoping his lockdown job ensures the Gabba faithful can’t sing along to John Denver this weekend, the Swans know Cunningham is an important part of their premiership aspirations.

Without a contract to his name for 2025, he’s also hoping that his role-playing ability means he’ll be sticking around even longer.

“I feel like my body is holding up really well and if I can continue to contribute to the team, I’d love to hang around and play some more footy,” Cunningham said.

“So, I feel like I’ve got something to offer, both on and off the field. So hopefully, that gets sorted out. I really love what I do and really enjoying being around this environment at the moment. There’s still some footy left in me.”

Originally published as Harry Cunningham’s journey to 200 AFL games with Sydney Swans