For Sydney Swans defender Harry Cunningham, sitting on the sidelines for the first half of the season hasn't been easy.

The 31-year-old has played 209 games for the red and white and missed just three matches last season. 

Cunningham made his long-awaited return to AFL football on Saturday, after being sidelined with a foot injury since the pre-season. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media after the match, the defender said he had been eager to contribute to the side on the field. 

"Good to be back out, obviously been a bit of a tough year individually, but I feel like I was able to come out and contribute," Cunningham said. 

"That's been the hardest thing about being injured, not being able to contribute on field, so good to be back out here and good to do it with a win.

"It did take a little bit to get going, luckily I've had a great medical crew to work with, some great blokes in rehab to work hard with so i went into today with a lot of confidence that I've done all the work to help me prepare."

01:19

"I had a lot of confidence that I'd put the work in" - Cunningham

Harry Cunningham reflects on his first game of 2025 after coming back form injury against Richmond.

After two back-to-back losses, Sydney recorded a 44-point win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon to keep its season alive. 

Cunningham said the team was pleased to get back to their game style and take home the four points. 

"Obviously good to play the way we want to play again, so good to be back here in front of our South Melbourne fans and get a good win and hopefully it's a stepping stone for what's to come," he said. 

"I think we just need to get back to our brand of footy and that's been hard and clean around the contest, setting up the ground really well and yeah, pressuring really hard.

 

"So, I think that's what we needed to do after the last couple of weeks and it was good to be able to execute today."

08:04

Highlights: Richmond v Sydney

The Tigers and Swans clash in round 13 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

The win was made extra special for Cunningham, the game marking his first as a Dad, after he and his partner welcomed their first child earlier this year. 

"It was (his first game as a Dad), I doubt she'll be watching back home, but a very special moment," Cunningham said.

 

"That's the silver lining to being injured, I've been able to spend a lot of time with my little one, so hopefully she can come to the next game for me."