Cunningham will enjoy his milestone appearance on the big stage as the Swans take on Collingwood in a game that will massive repercussions for the loser.

It has taken the 24-year-old seven AFL seasons to reach 100 games and it has not been all smooth sailing.

There was originally being overlooked by Greater Western Sydney, then having to make it off Sydney’s rookie list. There’s been grand final heartache, missed selections and injuries, but Cunningham has kept fronting up and worked harder at getting better.

“Absolutely. You get some challenges thrown at you along the way, obviously getting overlooked and then rookie listed but I’ve always had, thanks to my family, Mum and Dad, a pretty good work ethic,” Cunningham said.

“I’ve always tried to work hard and make sure I’ve left nothing out there and I’ll continue to do that hopefully for the rest of my career.

“That sort of makes it that little bit sweeter but in saying that, I’ve enjoyed every bloody minute of it as well. I've had a lot of fun along the way.”

About 40 of Cunningham’s family and friends will travel to Sydney on Saturday to share the occasion with him. The 100-game milestone is something he is proud of.

“It’s pretty special. I haven’t really reflected back on it too much, it’s something I’ll probably do at the end of the year,” he said.

“It’s something that’s pretty special, not many players or people get to achieve something like that and I’m pretty privileged to do it at such a great club at the Swans.

“It’s something I’ll be able to share with my family and friends this weekend, which makes it even better.”

Cunningham is hitting 100 games at full steam. He’s enjoying arguably his best season at AFL level, having had 20 possessions or more on eight occasions this season and is yet to miss a game.

“I’ve probably had more of a consistent year than I’ve had in recent years. I had a strong pre-season and was able to transform that pre-season form into some in-season form,” he said.

“I’ve probably played a lot more in the midfield this year, up on the wing, and I’ve been able to use my strengths to my advantage and help the team out.

“In saying that, there’s always areas to improve and still got some time this year to do that and really looking forward to trying to do that again this weekend.”

Cunningham has won 67 of his 99 games to date and played in nine finals. He has also kicked 46 goals.

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