The pair, who both started on the rookie list and have developed into regular members of the senior side this season, will be the Swans’ two youngest players on field this weekend, with Lloyd having turned 21 only a few days ago and Cunningham still just 20 years of age.
Cunningham, who made his debut in round one of the club’s 2012 premiership year, said it meant the world to him to be running out on the MCG rather than watching from the stands.
“To experience 2012 as a spectator was great, but I’m glad to be on the other side of the fence as a player, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Cunningham told SwansTV.
“It was a childhood dream of mine to be in the last weekend of September and to make it a reality this year is amazing.
“It’s going to be an amazing week and I’m looking forward to enjoying it.”
Cunningham, who has played every match this season after playing just six senior matches in his first two years as a Swan, has gone from strength to strength this season, and has demonstrated his ability to play in big games in recent weeks.
In last Friday night’s preliminary final, Cunningham played an important role on North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey and was able to significantly curb his influence on the match.
Cunningham said he expected to face his toughest challenge this weekend, when he will most likely be tasked with roles against a host of talented Hawks.
“I’ve just been chucked a few challenges and a few roles and I get really excited about the chance to play against quality players like that,” he said.
“Whatever role I get this week, I’ll be looking forward to it and it’s a Grand Final, so I’ll be looking to play my role for the team and then we can hopefully get the win.
“The two games we’ve played against Hawthorn I’ve played a bit forward and a bit on the wing, so I’d say I’d be similar to that this weekend.
“I’ve played on a lot of different guys including the likes of Ben Stratton, Matty Suckling, and then you’ve got Isaac Smith and Brad Hill on the wing that are obviously very quick and very fit.
“Whoever I match up on this weekend it’s going to be a tough game and I’ll just be looking to play my role for the team - whatever that may be.”
Jake Lloyd’s rise to finals football has been even more dramatic than that of Cunningham, with the young midfielder playing in this year’s decider after making his AFL debut just five months ago.
Since taking his place in the side in round five against Fremantle, Lloyd has played every match this season, including the club’s two finals wins.
The young midfielder, who will play his 21st senior game this weekend, said he was still pinching himself.
“I definitely didn’t imagine I’d come this far,” Lloyd said.
“At the start of the year I just wanted to play a game of AFL football and I was given that opportunity in round five and I guess that’s all it was for me.
“I just wanted to grab it with both hands and I’ve been able to do that up until this date, and I’m really excited for the weekend.”
Leading into the biggest game of their short career, both Cunningham and Lloyd have turned to some of the most experienced senior Swans for advice.
Cunningham said defensive duo Nick Malceski and Rhyce Shaw had helped set him on the right path for the week.
“I’ve had a few chats to guys like Nick Malceski and Rhyce Shaw who have experienced it before and the main thing they said was just to enjoy the week,” he said.
“They told me to know when to switch on and switch off and later in the week I’ll be looking to those guys for a bit more advice on what I should be doing come Thursday and Friday and on Saturday.”
With the Grand Final set to be played in front of up to 100-thousand fans, Lloyd admitted the experience could be overwhelming, but backed himself to be able to compete on the biggest stage.
“It’s obviously a dream come true to be honest,” he said.
“You sit around when you’re younger and you watch these Grand Finals, and I think I’ll be able to handle it.
“I think I’m just going to have to swivel the head a little bit more this week because I’m not going to be able to hear the boys around me too easily.
“I’m just really looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get out there.”
