Cunico’s career is off and running
RUN. Run. Run. Run. Run.
That’s the pretty simple motto Geelong youngster Jordan Cunico is going by.
The 22-year-old will not be changing it anytime soon, considering he has quickly become a key cog in Geelong's midfield since coming into the team in Round 4.
Cunico has quietly gone about his business in a side packed with top-end talent and is fully aware of what he needs to do to stay in the team come finals. “I pride myself on my transition running, trying to take the game on. If I can keep doing that then hopefully I can keep my spot in the side,” Cunico said. “I am getting more confident, the coaches like to see me take the game on, use my pace, try and get as many metres gained as I can. “(I just want to be) good in the contest, be a good transition runner defensively and offensively and be consistent with everything I do. “They’re the main focuses for me.” Cunico’s rise from VFL star to consistent senior footballer has been a quick one, even if the wiry speedster doesn’t feel like it has come around that fast. A solid 26 touches against
North Melbourne on Saturday and 24 against the Suns in Round 11 is proof he has comfortably made the jump from VFL to AFL.
Cunico credits a plethora of coaches and players to help him get to senior level.
“I wouldn’t put it down to one person, the whole team has helped me out,” he said.
“Matthew Knights, the midfield coach, I’ve had a lot to do with him. Nigel Lappin, another coach, I’ve spent time with him.
“And then the players, Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett, they help out the younger fellas to get them up and ready for the game.”
He now has 10 senior games under his belt after making his debut in Round 10 against Port Adelaide last year.
And with every game he plays, Cunico feels he is getting more and more confident.
“That one game into me, it made me realise that I want this and I want to play AFL football,” he said.
“I’m 22 now, so I don’t feel like I’m a young player. I’ve been on the list four years, I’m feeling stronger, fitter.
“Hopefully I cement a spot in the side and hopefully I keep on getting a game later in the year.”