Handyman Harry here to stay
By Jack McAnespie
Carlton Coach Mick Malthouse describes them as the deepest and most talented list in the AFL, and many in-the-know footy brains agree, that the Sydney Swans are brimming with talent in Season 2014.
Holding a spot in a Sydney side that cannot fit in premiership stars Lewis Roberts-Thompson and Ryan O’Keefe, along with young gun Tom Mitchell is no mean feat.
It is this fact that makes Harry Cunningham’s circumstances, and rise to League footy stardom extra special.
Taken at pick number 93 in the 2012 Rookie Draft, Cunningham’s football journey has gone full circle.
Hailing from the southern New South Wales town of Wagga Wagga, the Turvey Park junior was a regular on state lists throughout his earlier years, playing in both the Under 16 and Under 18 Rams sides.
“I got to play with the NSW/ACT Rams [as a junior] which was a massive experience for me,” said Cunningham.
“It opened my eyes as to what I needed to do to make it to the next level.”
Cunningham’s career highlight to date came two weeks ago, as he was named as the Round 15 AFL Rising Star nominee after his 17-disposal, seven-mark performance against the GIANTS at the SCG.
However, Cunningham is keeping his expectations in check, and has no illusions as to how he got to where he is today.
“Kieran [Jack] is my mentor this year and he’s been massive for me on and off the field,” said Cunningham.
“He keeps me grounded and [now I] know what I’ve got to do when I turn up each week to come and have an impact.
“It doesn’t matter where you start as long as you knuckle down and work hard.”
Cunningham says he owes a lot to the Swans, who showed a lot of faith in him from a young age, and is keen to show that he was worth the gamble.
“I just wanted to get drafted to an AFL club, and once the Swans gave me that opportunity I never looked back,” said Cunningham.
“I owe them [the Swans] now, I really want to have an impact on the club and be here for a long time.
“Hopefully I’m able to improve and develop as time goes on.”
There is no doubt that the pool of AFL talent throughout the NSW and ACT regions is growing in size and talent every season, with Cunningham commenting on the success of players from the area.
“There’s a fair bit of talent down in NSW and ACT-way now, and it’s good to see guys coming through and getting onto AFL lists,” commented Cunningham proudly.
