FROM what started as a trip to Adelaide, to playing his debut in front of his family and friends, Durdin expresses the hunger to train harder for the upcoming AFL season heading into 2022.  

His first year in the system proved to be a whirlwind but nonetheless was enjoyable with the on and off field presence of the much-admired Eddie Betts. 

“For him to really get around me, he has been so good this year and when I was out there, he was just offering so much help,” Durdin said.

“You grow up idolising Eddie.” 

Being an Adelaide boy and admiring Eddie from a young age, starting his AFL journey with Betts was nothing short of special. 

“Watching him play and snap goals from the pockets, to then being his teammate [was surreal],” he said.

“Eddie Betts, [is] someone I look up too.”

Settling into Carlton’s match against Port Adelaide, Durdin showed incredible gratitude that Betts was there to run out alongside him.

Betts, being a leader of club and within the AFL industry, is largely valued and shows immense support for his fellow teammates.

Although the result of his first game was not one to smile about, Durdin won’t forget getting the milestone game ticked off, with hopes to continue building his game.   

“The closer I got to the draft, I stopped following people and more so started following players,” he said. 

“It was quite special for me, and something I’ll never forget.”