Harry nearing a return

This article first appeared in the Daily Advertiser

By Matt Malone

Cunningham has endured an injury-interrupted season to date but could be rewarded with his second AFL game as soon as Sunday.

The 19-year-old was named an emergency for the Swans’ win over Greater Western Sydney (GWS) last weekend and will travel as part of the Swans’ 25-man squad that leaves for Perth on Thursday.

The Swans will announce their team to take on the Eagles on Friday night, but Cunningham said he would not know until the weekend as to whether he has been given the nod.

“I won’t know until Saturday or Saturday night,” Cunningham said.

“You never know, they change their mind pretty regularly. You can’t be too confident.”

Cunningham spent eight weeks out with injury earlier this season when he tore the medial ligament in a knee in April.

He missed eight games then had to return gradually through the Swans reserves.

The Turvey Park product played limited game time for the first “three or four” games and has now put together five full games. 

Cunningham said it was a tough stint on the sidelines.

“It more more frustrating getting injured and getting my knee right rather than seeing other guys getting a game,” Cunningham said.

“I was happy to see a lot of other young guys get a game.

“There were injuries but to get an opportunity you have to be in form at the time so there is no point dwelling on whether you may or may not have got a game.”

The Swans sit in fourth position on the ladder as they bid for back-to-back premierships.

Cunningham said there was a good feeling around the club as it embarks on the business end of the season.

“Definitely, we’ve had a lot of injuries but that just shows the depth we’ve got,” Cunningham said.

“Guys like Brandon Jack, Tom Mitchell, Dane Rampe, there has been a lot of new guys coming in but they’re playing the role they’re expected to do and making an impact while doing so.”

Cunningham was drafted to the Swans’ rookie list during the 2012 pre-season and impressed so much that he made his AFL debut in round one of that year.

He has since been promoted to Sydney’s senior list.