Sydney Swans utility Harry Cunningham says his side’s performance on Sunday only reinforced just how much competition there’ll be for senior spots in 2017.
Cunningham is one of many players not only gunning for a midfield role this season but looking to cement his place in the side.
Cunningham, 23, was arguably a victim of the Sydney Swans’ depth last year.
He enjoyed a strong first half of the season, playing the first 12 games, before dropping to the NEAFL Swans for the next five weeks.
He returned for the Round 18 win over Carlton only to cop an untimely omission on the eve of finals and be named as an emergency for the Swans’ entire finals campaign.
After last weekend’s clash in Coffs Harbour, his task became even more difficult as Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills and Zak Jones made the most of their minutes through the middle with impressive displays.
Instead of be disheartened with his teammates’ progress, the 23-year-old is treating the challenge from within as healthy competition.
“It’s always good to have competition for spots,” Cunningham said on Thursday.
“We have got good depth here and we have for a while now.
“We’ve had some new faces come in, which fans always love to see. For us already at the Club it’s great to see new guys come in and really embrace the culture and play some good footy.
“It’s an exciting time for the Club to have that healthy competition.”
Cunningham has been used as a modern-day utility, playing at either end of the ground from a rebounding backman, to a capable midfielder, to a crafty forward.
Asked for his preference, Cunningham isn’t narrowing his focus nor selling himself short to the coaches or selectors.
“Hopefully I play predominantly through the midfield this year, up and down the wing, (and) maybe through the backline a bit as well,” he added.
“I don’t want to rule out any position just yet but I feel like I play my best position is in the midfield, where I can get my hands on the footy and create some run.
“Hopefully I can turn some training form into game form, that’s what’s it’s all about that this time of year, preparing for Round 1, so I’ll be putting in some big efforts before then and hopefully cement a spot this year.”
