“I FELT a bit disconnected last year. Not being able to train, it sucks.

“Compared to this season, the connections and being out at training is so much better.”

Corey Durdin feels like a completely different player to the one that walked in the door at IKON Park a little over 12 months ago.

And he’s got a full pre-season to thank.

Durdin was drafted to the Blues in December of the first Covid-ravaged season of 2020: three weeks after the usual draft date in late November.

Already attempting to make up for lost time, a persistent injury meant that Durdin - who was looking to make an impression amongst his new teammates - spent more time on the outskirts than in the actual drills themselves.

It’s been the opposite over the summer of 2021/22, with Durdin impressing all comers with his ability to bring the heat that Senior Coach Michael Voss has been asking for since day one.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Durdin said his work over the last few pre-season — his first full pre-season — has done him the world of good.

“It’s been good for me this year, especially to connect and build on relationships,” Durdin said.

“I feel great, I feel confident and it’s been a really good block for me. I’m pretty stoked to keep building on what I had last year and taking it into this year.

“Being in rehab is not where you want to be… it’s been my first full pre-season, so I’ve been enjoying it.”

At the time of writing, it’s been six months since Durdin (alongside Brodie Kemp) ran out for his first game in the Navy Blue. Back then, Durdin believed that the senior experience was going to hold him in good stead leading into the summer.

For the 19-year-old, he believed the opportunity to get a taste of what was required would provide the extra spark this pre-season. Looking back, he feels as though that has translated into his training.

“It’s given me more confidence that I can play at the level and that I can make a good impact as a small forward. I think getting that taste of footy really made me motivated this pre-season and I definitely think I’ve taken a step forward.”

While he’s had his feet under the desk for over a year now, there’s still plenty of adjustments which Durdin is continuing to experience. Over the last few months, he’s moved in with some new housemates: Jack Carroll, Jesse Motlop and Tom Williamson, to be exact.

Then, there’s the small matter of his new number. 

How exactly did Durdin end up in the Navy Blue No.19? With the blessing of the man who made it his own, of course.

“After Eddie’s last game, I flicked him a message to say it was a pleasure. At the end of his reply, he said ‘the No.19 is there if you want it,” he said.

“I wasn’t going to say no!

“I took it with both hands and it came to be. I learnt so many small tricks of the trade [from Betts]… being able to learn off one of the best was really a privilege.”

With those two games in the final fortnight of the 2021 season the spur for the summer, Durdin outlined what has been fuelling him this pre-season.

Part of an expanding small forward group at Carlton, Durdin says the key in recent months has been “bringing the energy and enjoying the pressure” — the mandate from Voss since day one.

“Really good acts, selfless acts, goal assists, celebrating kicking goals,” he said.

“More than anything, I just want to really enjoy the year. 

“I want to be able to play as many games as possible obviously. Play ones, hopefully make a consistent appearance — that’s my main goal.”