Cunningham was over the moon on Thursday when he was named on the bench for the Swans' opening game of the season on Saturday.

He will line up at Spotless Stadium to help tackle cross-town rival Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in the much anticipated Battle of the Bridge.

To make his selection all the more impressive, Cunningham was picked in the team ahead of dual premiership player Ryan O'Keefe and other big names.

Cunningham says now that his foot is in the door, it's up to him to convince selectors he belongs in the team.

"We don't have that many injuries at the moment, I think we've only got three guys out, so to be in the top 22 players for round one is a massive confidence boost for me," Cunningham said from Sydney.

"I need to make sure I make the most of the opportunity now and hopefully it's the start of a big year.

"Week in week out, if I can contribute to the team and put in solid performances hopefully I will be in their minds come selection day."

Cunningham has enjoyed an outstanding pre-season campaign with the Swans, earning high accolades from head coach John Longmire along the way for his fitness and work ethic.

The Swans have even hinted at adding the 20-year-old to the club's elite midfield group.

Cunningham, however, expects to play his usual wing-small forward role against the Giants today.

Cunningham says this week's selection is a result of the work he has put in since finishing last season.

"It shows how hard I've worked since the finals last year and how much work I've been putting in at training," he said.

"I've worked hard during the pre-season and got my opportunity in a few games.

"Obviously they have been happy with my form and I'm very excited to be lining up tomorrow (Saturday), I'll go out there and have a crack."

Cunningham will have his own cheer squad sitting in the stands at Spotless Stadium as his girlfriend and family travel to Sydney to watch him play.

While their eyes will no doubt be on him, a lot of interest has been swirling around the Swans' biggest off-season recruit Lance Franklin.

Cunningham is keen to get a look at Franklin first hand.

"Buddy's had a big pre-season, he's been training well and he has built a good synergy with the rest of the group which is what great footballers do," Cunningham said.

"Hopefully I can help him out and we can get him a win for his first game."