The pair, who will both play their second AFL final on Saturday night against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, admit to still feeling excited about the prospect of a good night sleep in their own rooms and hearty meals available in the lead-up to the big game.
The 22-year-old Biggs, who watched on from home as his former Swans reserves team mates took out the NEAFL Eastern Conference premiership last weekend, said he still had to pinch himself when he thinks about the opportunity that has presented itself tomorrow.
“Last week I saw the photos on Instagram with the twos winning the flag, and Harry and I did feel a bit out of it because we’re so used to playing with them,” Biggs told sydneyswans.com.au.
“It’s still a bit surreal at the moment that I’m actually playing ones.
“It was a bit of a surprise, but the opportunity came up and if the opportunity is there to play a couple more games then I’ll be putting in my best effort.”
Biggs, who will play just his third senior game this weekend, has already lined up in two huge matches - the round 23 clash against Hawthorn and last week’s semi final against Carlton both at ANZ Stadium - but the young defender said he expects the intensity to rise again this weekend.
“It was a big step up in my first game against Hawthorn and then again in the final against Carlton it was another step up for finals footy,” he said.
“It’s been a big step up but hopefully I’m adjusting to it at the right time.
“I’ve never been to WA before, but I know it’s a big ground so there will be a lot of running required and I’m expecting it will be a pretty hostile environment, but I think it will spur us on a bit to do well there.”
Cunningham on the other hand, who will play his sixth AFL match this Saturday night, has had recent experience playing over in the west, having started as the substitute in the Swans’ round 17 win over the West Coast Eagles.
“It can only help that I’ve been there before,” Cunningham said.
“I played the one game and I thought I adjusted to the conditions pretty quickly and the big deck.
“This week against Freo I know I’ll have to bring my strengths to the game and there will be a lot of running to do, that’s for sure.”
Like Biggs, the 19-year-old Cunningham confessed that he still found it hard to believe he was playing finals football after playing just one game in his debut year in 2012.
“It definitely still is a bit surreal, I suppose,” he said.
“This will be the second final that I’ll be able to play and I suppose just getting a game at AFL level is still a surreal feeling.
“I think being in the mix for the last month has held me in good stead that if I get the call up that I’m able to take the opportunity.
“Now I’ve got one I need to grab it with both hands.”
