David Cuningham | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

David Cuningham cannot catch a break. After another injury-hampered season in 2020, another injury forced him to have an interrupted pre-season. He finally found fitness and got his way back into the side in round 6 against the Lions. After a fantastic performance against the Bombers the next round, he provided some flashes of absolute brilliance against the Doggies, despite the stats saying that his game was below par. But then, tragedy struck. ​​He goes up for a contest and lands clutching his knee, all Carlton fan's hearts skipped a beat as he stays down motionless and in agony. The worst is feared as a while passes before, he is able to get up and hobble down the race and into the rooms. ACL tear, Season over. Just when was finding form and player some very good football in the position where is most natural, he struck down in the most heart-breaking circumstances. 

BEST PERFORMANCE

Despite only playing 3 games, one of them was against the Bombers, so count on him to have a fantastic game. He has turned Essendon into a bunny for him, after the fantastic performance he had against them in 2020, it was his chance to repeat his excellence if he took the chance and boy, did he take the chance. It was the closest thing the Blues had to a finals like atmosphere, so for him to rise to the occasion is a very promising sign. 

Playing as a half-forward, he gathered 25 touches, 8 score involvements, 4 marks, 3 clearance, 5 inside 50’s, 415 metres gained and kicking 2 goals, including the sealer with 30 seconds to go. It was a fantastic glimpse into how good he can be on a regular basis. His explosiveness and electricity spread to his teammates and whenever he gets the ball and does something, it lifts the team and gets the vibes going. He lifted to the occasion and in a team that nearly every player played well, he stood out amongst the crowd by having an electrifying performance. 

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

If David Cuningham can get any football in 2022, whether that be ‘scratch matches’ or VFL, that would be fantastic. You can pretty much rule him out of playing AFL football next year. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

C

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

N/A