Corey Durdin | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

The unknown amongst the draftees. Not a lot was known about Durdin, but we learnt quickly through the VFL what a competitor this man is. Constant hunt for the ball and a hit to hurt attitude, Durdin would have no problem settling into the AFL game. When he made his debut in round 22, he didn’t look out of place. Baring a couple of fumbles - which is to be expected from a debutante - his hunt for the football was on full display as his forward craft proved to be AFL quality as well. He only needed to wait 7 days for his first AFL goal, lurking out the back of the pack, he received the handball from Fogarty and a composed finish saw him swamped by all his teammates. While he didn’t get as much of the ball as he would’ve wanted, he showed that with a few more pre-seasons, and the right development, he can be an AFL ready player very quickly. 

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

Fingers crossed that the VFL will go ahead uninterrupted next year, this would allow Durdin to fulfil his potential very quickly. We have seen what it has done for the likes of Honey and Stocker, hopefully, the same effect can be had on him, and we can see him lining up in the AFL sooner rather than later. There is a spot there in the 22 for a permanent small-forward. It is up to him to beat out Honey and Owies and make it his own. He is already becoming a fan-favourite due to his grunt and determination, and if he can take his game to the next level over the pre-season, then expect more and more to jump on the Durdin bandwagon. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

B

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Sporadic 22