Club/Recruited from: Glenelg
Position: Key defender
Height: 199cm
Weight: 98kg
DOB: 6 June 1996
CARLTON has acquired Sam Durdin with pick No.13 in the 2022 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
A key defender from South Australia, Durdin initially spent six seasons on North Melbourne’s list before producing two strong seasons for Glenelg in the SANFL.
With the ability to lock down on his direct opponent or provide an intercept option for his side, Durdin has been one of the standout key defenders in state-league competition so far this season: that was most clear on ANZAC Day, when he was awarded the best-on-ground medal for a performance which yielded 22 disposals, 11 marks and 13 rebound 50s.
He provides a tall defensive option for the Blues, who also welcomed Lewis Young via the trade table at the end of last season.
Standing at 199 centimetres, Durdin played 22 games in the royal blue and white after being selected by the Roos with a first-round selection back in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft. Now, just days before his 26th birthday, Durdin will get another chance at the elite level after being drafted by the Blues.
Blues Head of List Management Nick Austin said the acquisition of the key defender was one which the Club had identified in the weeks leading into the mid-season draft.
“With Sam, we’re welcoming someone who is not only known to the AFL system, but also someone who has worked incredibly hard to get back to this level,” Austin said.
“His performances for Glenelg in the past 18 months have been really strong, as shown by his selection in the South Australian state side earlier this season which he unfortunately missed due to illness.
“He backs himself in the air, he’s a calming influence in defence and he makes the right decision coming out of the back half. He has barely missed a game since going back to South Australia and he’s performed to a really high standard in a quality competition.
“We’re excited to welcome Sam to our Club and have him get to work with his new teammates in the coming days.”
