Read the following on The Roar and it really got me thinking...
Harry Cunningham is the only rising star that is playing a significant role in games that matter
While Marcus Bontempelli is the overwhelming favourite to win the rising star and James Aish, Lewis Taylor, Luke Dunstan, Jake Stringer and Jon Patton are all being discussed among the possibles for this award, one player that is being criminally underrated is Cunningham.
Cunningham has played every match for Sydney this year and has been a solid performer in every game. On top he has had two or three pivotal games with his three goals against Port Adelaide on Saturday as big a difference maker as any in that game. That Cunningham is having key contributions in a game between two top four contenders should be being considered far more impressive than games that those in lowly rated teams have had.
For that reason it would be controversial but you could argue that based on importance Cunningham, Zac Merrett and Luke McDonald all should be considered in the top five rising stars for this year as opposed to the bookies favourites.
Whilst I don't think he will win it, and by the end of his career he may not reach the heights of some of the names above...but I don't think many, if any of them could have played the role he has for us this year to such a high level. We have the best depth in the competition and that is a fact...for Harry to play every game is a pretty remarkable effort when you consider the guys we've had running around in the NEAFL!
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