BRAVE BEN SAYS FAREWELL

from AFL Record Round 22, 2023

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While Jack Ziebell has two more games in the tank, teammate Ben Cunnington announced this week will be his farewell appearance.

The 32-year-old midfielder has called time on his career which will come to an end against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cunnington, a two-time Syd Barker medallist, will finish with 238 games when his 14-season career is complete.

The contested beast was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021 which threatened to derail his career following the back injury that restricted him to three games in 2020.

Cunnington, known for his heart and soul playing style, courageously returned to AFL footy in 2022, but has now opted to step away from the game.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve achieved on and off the field in the 14 years at this level,” Cunnington told teammates this week.

“From the moment the club drafted me, it was a dream come true as we were surrounded by interstate clubs on draft night. Then to walk into a club that suited my personality, and allowed me to be myself, I couldn’t have asked for a better recipe to get the best out of myself.

“I’m proud and grateful of what I’ve overcome in the past few years and for the club to give me the best chance and opportunity to play AFL footy again.

“But I felt I lost my hunger once I returned, my perspective in life was too great. Then when I fell out of the senior team, I struggled to have the motivation or drive to get back in.

“That’s when I knew it wasn’t fair on myself or you blokes that I continued on next year without being able to give my 100 per cent effort, especially when there are hungry young kids out there that would do anything for the opportunity and to help this team get better.

“To the club, thank you for the opportunity and journey for me to live out my childhood dream. It didn’t matter who was in charge at the time, but the club has always had me and my family’s best interest at heart on and off the field. It’s something I will never forget.

“This club means the world to me as I’ve almost spent half my life here. The learnings, the memories and the relationships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”