Harry Cunningham to move forward in Sydney evolution

A 29-year-old Sydney defender who lost his spot in last season’s run home could return to the side in a new role this year.

Swans speedster Harry Cunningham has a new role to play with the Swans. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Forgotten veteran Harry Cunningham could be the extra weapon needed to add pace and class to the Sydney forward line this season as the Swans look to put their grand final nightmare behind them.

Cunningham has been named to return to the senior side for the first time since he was squeezed out in round 17 last year, with the reliable defender reinventing himself in a new role as a pressure forward.

Displaced from the Swans’ backline by the superb form of Robbie Fox in the back half of 2022, and while Fox is several weeks away from playing due to a calf injury, 29-year-old Cunningham looks set to be deployed across half-forward having impressed in pre-season games.

He was clean and dangerous around the goals in Sydney’s big win over Carlton, gathering 13 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency along with two majors.

“Cunno is just an amazing person, he’s one of the nicest blokes off the field but on the field he’s a real team player,” Swans star Isaac Heeney said.

“Whatever Horse (coach John Longmire) needs on the day, whatever we need on the day, he’s (Cunningham) super clear in his understanding of all things and he’s an amazing person to work with.

“He’s going to give us that defensive side up forward but also his speed and his skills are really good. He’s a good player and I’m excited for him.”

Harry Cunningham has reinvented himself. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Heeney, a Foxtel ambassador for the 2023 season, said he was determined to keep improving as a player, spurred on by the validation of his maiden All-Australian selection in 2022.

“It was a nice bit of recognition … it’s about knowing that it’s not just going to happen again, I’ve got to put my head down and my bum up and bring the team along,” he said.

“I’m feeling fit, I’ve been running really well and putting in some big kilometres during sessions.

“It’s just about focusing on the process and that’s what I’ll revert back to throughout the season when things get tough, whether it’s individual form or the ball not coming into the forward line.”

Heeney is set for another big season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney was ready for the unique challenge posed by the Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday night, Heeney said.

“I think they always know it’s a big game against us, so they seem to bring the heat most times they play us,” he said.

“They try to chip the ball, and they’ve certainly had some success in the past just chipping the ball around us and keeping the ball off us, so that’s something we’ve got to nullify.

“It’s going to be hot early, it could be scrappy being the first game of the year. We’ve got to bring the heat, bring the pressure and hopefully convert.”

Every game of every round during the 2023 AFL season is available in 4K Ultra HD on Foxtel for the first time.

Originally published as Harry Cunningham to move forward in Sydney evolution