David Cuningham | 2020 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
After a largely improved season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.
This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #28 – David Cuningham.
SEASON SYNOPSIS
In 2020, David Cuningham definitely showed Blues fans what he is capable of at his very best. His clean pickup, speed and intelligence to play both a midfield and forward role were showcased throughout the season.
Playing a mix of forward and wing, ‘Cunners’ averaged 12 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 8 effective disposals, 206 metres gained and 4 score involvements (which he ranked 4th at the club in). Spending most of the time on the half forward line, among forwards he ranked above average in inside 50s, effective disposals, score involvements and stoppage clearances.
Playing as a midfielder exclusively in 2019, Cuningham consistently found the football. Missing out on the acquisition of Tom Papley in the off season, ‘Cunners’ was thrown into the forward line mix. Although he showed some spark and X-factor at times, his best, yet again, was proven to be through the middle.
BEST PERFORMANCE
After a pretty underwhelming first three games of the season, Cuningham needed to make a statement, and a statement he made. On a wet, scrappy night at the MCG, ‘Cunners’ took the game by the scruff of the neck and dragged Carlton over the line in a 1-point win against archrivals Essendon.
He ended the round 4 match with a career -high 28 disposals, game-high 7 score involvements, game-high 6 inside 50s, 510 metres gained and 10 contested possessions. Spending more midfield minutes then he had done in previous matches, Cuningham showed intensity, cleanliness and good decision-making as he had a career best outing when he needed to most.
Despite ‘Doc’ having arguably a better game, ‘Cunners’ proved to be an extremely valuable commodity and is very capable of winning the game of his own boot.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
Throughout his career, Cuningham’s development has been hampered by injuries. From his 2015 draft class (among Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering), he has played the least amount of among this group of Blues.
His games against Collingwood in 2019, Essendon as above, and North Melbourne in a clutch moment this season, he has displayed the attributes of an above average to elite footballer. Consistency in games and staying on the park is crucial for ‘Cunners’ to take the next step in 2021.
As the Blues are looking to bolster their squad heavily in the off-season with acquisitions of Adam Saad and Zac Williams, Cuningham now needs to perform consistently to hold his spot. If he can’t prove this, it may prove too difficult for him to be considered walk-up 22 starter every week in 2021.
2020 REPORT CARD RATING
C
STATUS HEADING INTO 2021
Fringe 22 Player
