Delisted Carlton forward David Cuningham has reportedly undergone a medical with Sydney in a potential bid to keep his AFL career alive.
Cuningham was cut from the Blues after a luckless nine years at Princes Park, playing just 58 games at senior level due to a series of long-term injuries and soft-tissue setbacks.
The 27-year-old failed to play more than 12 games in a single season and managed just five appearances in 2024, his most recent coming against the Power in July when he dislocated his shoulder in the opening term.
Cuningham was one of eight Bliues players delisted by the club following the recent season, with Jack Martin, Domanic Akuei, Jack Carroll, Sam Durdin, Matt Carroll, Caleb Marchbank and Alex Mirkov also not offered extensions for 2025.
Martin has already found a new home for next year, having signed a two-year contract with Geelong as a delisted free agent.
Cuningham could follow suit and secure a career lifeline this off-season, with AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey revealing the Canterbury product has completed a medical with the Swans.
Delisted Carlton midfielder David Cuningham has done a medical with Sydney, who have looked at some experienced options through train-on/rookie period. Cuningham played 58 games for the Blues, including five this season. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) November 7, 2024
Sydney are said to have also met with cut St Kilda defender Ben Paton in recent weeks, with the Swans assessing the open market of delisted players who could slot straight into their squad and offer some experience.
Paton, who played 71 games in the red, white and black before being axed at Moorabbin, reportedly has interest from GWS as well.
The Swans could swoop on either or both of Cuningham and Paton via this month's draft window, with the Rookie Draft - scheduled for November 22 - a viable avenue. The club is already committed to re-listing key position duo Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling via that draft.
The Supplemental Selection Period will open shortly after the draft window concludes, with clubs able to have players take part in their pre-season training programs as they weigh up filling their final list spots for 2025.
The SSP often runs until mid-February, giving clubs a chance to add to their list close to a month out from the start of the home and away season.
