Running out for his AFL debut, making a stand for beloved teammate Adam Goodes and celebrating his 100^th game in Alex Johnson’s emotional injury comeback are his most treasured memories of his time in red and white.

And Sydney Swans speedster Harry Cunningham is looking forward to enjoying many more moments to savour after inking a new three-year deal.

Cunningham broke through for his first AFL game in the opening round of his first year at the club.

He was then on deck as Sydney strode on to the SCG turf to face Adelaide without Goodes in Round 18, 2015, after the Indigenous great had taken time away from the game amid the well-documented booing ordeal.

And very fresh in the memories of Sydney supporters is Round 20, 2018, which not only saw Cunningham make his 100^th AFL appearance, but former injury-plagued Swan and close mate Johnson play his first senior match in 2136 days. 

Cunningham has packed in a lot since signing with Sydney as a rookie in 2011, and after tying himself to the club until at least the end of season 2022, the 25-year-old said he hoped plenty of lifelong memories were ahead.

Harry Cunningham soaking up the elation of victory on debut.

“Debuting in Round 1, 2012 was a great memory,” Cunningham told SwansTV.

“In 2015, at the Adelaide game at the SCG after what had happened with Adam Goodes, to be able to rally around a mate was pretty special. 

“And then last year against Collingwood, with Alex Johnson’s first game back and my 100^th game which flew under the radar – that was a day I will never forget.

“I’ve had plenty of special moments in the red and white, and hopefully there are a few more to come over the next few years.”

Overwhelming support for former Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes.

Cunningham produced a career-best 2018 campaign and continued to fly over the early exchanges of season 2019, averaging 23.33 touches over the opening six games in a new role in Sydney’s evolving defensive set-up.

But injury struck in Round 7, and while the New South Welshman returned from his groin strain to meet Essendon and Carlton in July, he hasn’t played since and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Cunningham is expected to have surgery on his groin this week before preparing himself for a 2020 campaign full of refreshed hope.

Brothers in arms: Harry Cunningham (left) and Alex Johnson (right) on a special day in Round 20, 2018.

“What the surgery allows me to do is get right for my off-season and my pre-season,” Cunningham said.

“I’ve struggled a bit throughout the year with niggles around the groin and the best process going forward is to have surgery. I’ll then look to have a full pre-season and knock 2020 on its head.

“I’m pretty excited to have signed on for an extra three years here at the footy club. I love the footy club and I love Sydney. It’s great to be able to repay the faith and stick around for another few years at least.”