THE first season under AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss will go down as one to remember and one of transformation for the Carlton Football Club.

It was a year where a number of Carlton players enjoyed breakthrough seasons, whether that was a key milestone, a landmark achievement, the start of a journey or a career-best campaign.

Year in review

Playing 21 games in 2022, Corey Durdin enjoyed making a name for himself by showing off his nuance in front of goal.

Being named in an emerging mosquito fleet alongside the likes of Zac Fisher and Matt Owies, the second-year forward was a valuable asset at the fall of the ball, putting heat on the opposition while also displaying a knack to find the goals, earning a Round 21 AFL Goal of the Year nomination.

Ranked No.1 at the Blues for goal assists, Durdin well and truly did his part for the team, providing a buzzing presence inside 50 while also retreating to the defensive half to help his teammates when the game called for it.

After getting his taste for AFL football in the final fortnight of his first season, Durdin had a consistent run at the elite level, winning his first AFL game in Round 1 and missing just one game due to AFL Health and Safety Protocols.

2022 in numbers

Durdin’s game focused on one specific area under Michael Voss: pressure.

Averaging over 10 pressure acts and 1.5 forward-50 tackles a game, Durdin also slotted a total of 15 goals and registered three score involvements per game, playing an important role as a pressure small forward.

He also topped the table for Carlton in terms of goal assists, totalling 13 for the season, always finding his teammates in position to hit the scoreboard.

On-field highlight

In his best game for the season, it was no surprise to see Durdin receive a 2022 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination off the back of his Round 9 performance against the Giants.

Finishing the game with a career-high 19 disposals and two classy goals and five score involvements, Durdin was a a worthy recipient of the honour as he became Carlton's first AFL Rising Star nominee since Sam Walsh in 2019.

It was on the back of a performance and run of form which saw Michael Voss describe the youngster as "the ultimate team player" when the news was confirmed.

Off-field highlight

Speaking to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey earlier in the year, Durdin shared the special bond he has with his sister Shianne with the football world, speaking publicly about her blindness and the support she continuously gives him.

Shianne was given the chance to run out onto the MCG with Durdin on the biggest of stages: the Round 13 clash with Essendon, where she ran out clinging onto the arm of her brother on a night where the Blues spoiled the party on the Bombers' 150th anniversary celebrations.

It was a special moment for all members of the Durdin family and in particular for Corey, who has always said Shianne has been his No.1 supporter since his days playing junior football.

In his words

Following his Rising Star nomination in Round 9, Durdin reflected on the job he was given by Voss and how consistent game time was only building his game. 

“There was definitely a strong focus, especially on the weekend, for our smalls to apply plenty of heat and get involved in scoring opportunities.

“'Vossy' has has been really strong and vocal in making sure that we’re bringing pressure and sticking to our team defence.

“I think that's what's earning me a game at the moment and currently I'm building on my offensive part: there's plenty to go, but I'm excited to keep working on it.”