Cunningham and Tyson tackle sprint kings

Both the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS will have a presence on the last Saturday in September with 19-year-old Harry Cunningham to don the red and white and 20-year-old Dom Tyson to turn it on in the orange and charcoal in the annual Grand Final sprint at the MCG this Saturday afternoon.

Cunningham, who played five games in 2013 in his second year at the club, finished second to Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield in last year’s Grand Final sprint and will be looking to prevent the Crows’ star from claiming his third successive title.

Before lining up for last week’s Preliminary Final against Fremantle, Cunningham – from Wagga Wagga in southern NSW – told the media his pace was one of his biggest strengths.

“That’s one of my assets and I’ve really got to bring it to the game because that’s why I’m getting picked so if I don’t bring it to the game I’m not going to my full potential,” he said.

“That’s what I’m there for so I’ve got to use it.”

Swans players have previously done well in the sprint with premiership player and current reserves coach Jared Crouch winning in 2002, while Lewis Jetta – who won his own unofficial Grand Final sprint with Cyril Rioli last year – finished third in 2010 and 2011.

The great Dom Tyson will be in the GWS GIANTS’ representative following on from Tomas Bugg in 2012 and Tim Golds in 2011.

Tyson joined the GIANTS as their number three draft pick in 2011 and played 10 games in his debut year before a knee injury limited him to just three games in 2013.

The quick midfielder graduated from Trinity Grammar School in Melbourne but is better known for his classy skills than his speed.

The sprint, which will also feature Carlton speedster Chris Yarran, will be held at the MCG from 12.40pm on Saturday September 28.