CARLTON small forward Corey Durdin has been named the Round 9 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after a solid run of form that culminated in a standout performance against the GWS Giants.

The 19-year-old earned his spot in the Blues’ Round 1 side and has not looked back, growing more established in the forward line as each round has gone.

Durdin gathered a career-high 19 disposals (11 of those kicks) and two goals against the Giants and was instrumental in front of goal. 

His pressure has been immense on field with the young gun regularly hunting opposition defenders, with half of his overall tackles this season coming from inside the forward 50. 

Carlton is ranked equal second for forward-50 tackles this season with 104, with Durdin averaging four score involvements per game and 13 pressure acts, ranking inside the Blues’ top five for pressure acts in the forward half. 

He was selected with Carlton’s first pick (No.37) in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft and immediately impressed at VFL level before making his AFL debut in Round 22 last year. 

AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said Durdin’s work rate has been elite and the Rising Star nomination is a fitting acknowledgement of that. 

“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.”