Corey Durdin wins Rising Star nomination

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District draftee Corey Durdin is making his mark at elite level after earning the Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star nomination with an eye-catching display against GWS on Sunday. 

Selected by Carlton with Pick No.37 in the 2020 AFL Draft, the 19-year-old kicked two goals to go with 19 disposals, three marks and two tackles in the Blues’ 30-point win at Giants Stadium.

After making his AFL debut in Round 22 last year, the crafty small forward has established himself nicely under new Carlton coach Michael Voss, featuring in all but one game this season after being ruled out with Health and Safety Protocols in Round 4.

“Corey is the ultimate team player and he’s gone the right way about earning the respect of his teammates,” Voss said.

“He earned his opportunity in the side at the start of the season and has taken it, working seamlessly with the rest of our forward line.

“Corey constantly puts in the work and this nomination is a testament to his work ethic and willingness to do anything for the team.”

Originally from the Golden Grove Football Club, Durdin played three SANFL League matches for the Bulldogs in 2019, kicking three goals against Norwood in just his third game.

Measuring in at 173cm and 73kg, he then played nine League games in 2020 while also playing in the Torrens University SA U18 team as an ”underager” in 2019.

“Corey’s a pure footballer who is small in stature but very tough over the ball,” Torrens University SA U18 coach Tony Bamford said of Durdin in his draft year.

‘He has elite skills, clean hands and an excellent ability to win contests at ground level.”

Durdin joins South Adelaide prospect Jason Horne-Francis, of North Melbourne, in being the second SANFL draftee to earn a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination this year.