TEGAN Cunningham says she couldn’t have asked for a better start to her AFLW career.
The former Women’s National Basketball League player – she won a championship with Dandenong Rangers in 2012 – made her AFLW debut for Melbourne against GWS Giants at Casey Fields last Saturday, and was part of a thrilling six-point win. She said it was a moment she’ll never forget.
“It was really good to get the win. There were glimpses where we were really good and areas we need to work on. But as a whole, to get a win across the line, we showed great character, which was the biggest thing,” she told melbournefc.com.au.
“It was very physical and there wasn’t much room to move at times, so I definitely had my challenges, but it was a great experience.
“It was a great start to the season.”
After impressing with three goals in Melbourne’s practice match against Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval, in the lead-up the AFLW season, Cunningham gained the confidence from that match, entering round one.
“In my first game, I would’ve taken anything – I just wanted to make sure that I focused on the small things and that I was in the play, and I was always contesting for everything,” she said.
“I really used my leap to get up and I tried to mark it or bring it to ground. I tried to do that every game and I’m just building from that.
“That Collingwood game was great, but I don’t expect that every game.”
Cunningham kicked one goal against the Giants, coming at an important time in the match. But she couldn’t hide her excitement when reflecting on the match-winning goal kicked by teammate ‘Rocky’ Cranston.
“It was unbelievable. That goal and the win – I was hoping we’d get up as I practiced the song a few times the night before,” she said with a laugh.
“But ‘Rocky’ played unreal – she kicked a couple of goals in the last quarter and really set the game up. Her explosive play was fantastic and it was great to get the win in our first game.
“We’ve ticked that off and now we’re looking forward to this week against the Crows at Casey.”
