Harry Cunningham to move to Adelaide through AFL rookie draft
The defender leaves Sydney after 232 games, with Adelaide seeking a two-year playing deal and a possible coaching role beyond that.
Sydney will delist Harry Cunningham at his request to allow the 32-year-old to join Adelaide through the AFL rookie draft, Sydney list boss Chris Keane said. The move will not involve a trade.
The clubs are understood to have agreed to that pathway. Adelaide football boss Adam Kelly wanted to recruit Cunningham for two years as a player, with the possibility of a move into coaching afterwards.
Keane said Sydney had made Cunningham an offer but accepted his choice to leave for a longer contract and family reasons. Kelly said Cunningham would bring leadership, experience and an ambition to coach to Adelaide's playing group.
Cunningham expressed gratitude to Sydney for the opportunity to pursue his career and said he looked forward to joining Adelaide. He also acknowledged the support of his wife Chelsea and daughter Luella.
Taken at pick No.93 as a rookie in 2012, Cunningham went on to make 232 appearances for Sydney and played in the 2022 grand final. A calf injury sustained at training ruled him out of the Swans' preliminary final defeat by Fremantle.
The rookie draft will be held on 23 November at 3pm.
