Harry Cunningham to join Adelaide Crows via rookie draft

Sydney Swans veteran Harry Cunningham will join the Adelaide Crows through a unique arrangement rather than a traditional trade. The Swans will delist the 32-year-old defender to allow Adelaide to select him via the AFL rookie draft on 23 November.

Cunningham has spent 15 years with the Swans, playing 232 games since joining as a 17-year-old. The move follows Cunningham’s desire to continue his career at Adelaide for family reasons and to pursue coaching ambitions. Adelaide football boss Adam Kelly expressed enthusiasm for the signing, noting that Cunningham is expected to join on a two-year deal with a view toward transitioning into a coaching role afterward.

Cunningham expressed gratitude to the Swans, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful to the Swans for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream.” The Swans confirmed they respected his decision and wished him well for his next chapter.