WHEN Jesse Motlop’s Carlton journey started in November last year, it wasn’t long before he linked up with two people he now regards among his closest mates.

And in the case of Corey Durdin, the relationship he shares with Motlop - who he lives with alongside fellow young Blue Jack Carroll - extends to on the field as well.

For the duo, their friendship started ahead of years one and two at IKON Park, and they’ve relished in it ever since.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Motlop said the opportunity to not only move in with the duo, but also play senior football alongside them in his debut one, was something he had incredible gratitude for now that his first campaign is done and dusted.

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“It was one thing to move over from another city to a new life, but having these two here and getting really close with them has been so beneficial,” Motlop said.

“I’m so grateful I have met two great mates early on in my career. To play alongside them in my first three games was so fun and there are photos of us everywhere — mainly because we don’t leave each others’ side.”

And for Durdin, one moment stands out in a season which he broke through for 21 senior games — and it’s not even one of his.

“When ‘Mots’ kicked his second goal [against Collingwood], I was sitting on the bench and my face just lit up. I was smiling and so happy for him,” he said.

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“That’s what we play footy for — alongside great people, good mates. It just makes you happy when they’re doing well.”

Michael Voss’ first season at the football club has centred around the themes of connection and, particularly in the playing group’s case, being a good teammate. Not just on the field, but off it as well.

With Thursday 8 September marking R U OK?Day, both Durdin and Motlop stressed the importance of checking in.

For better or worse, they’ve lived the highs and lows of a transformative season in their footballing careers. But while that has marked their progression as footballers, it doesn’t fully reflect the person away from the field.

“It’s a great initiative. There have been times where you’ve had to be vulnerable,” Durdin said.

“To have good mates like ‘Bot’ [Jack Carroll] and ‘Mots’ here, to show that vulnerability and be open and comfortable with sharing how you’re really feeling is a really important thing.”

Having grown up around football clubs and now being fully entrenched in one since being drafted last year, Motlop said teammates provided “a layer of protection”.

“You never know what people are going through and everyone has got their own story and issues which you don’t even know are going on in the background,” Motlop said.

“I try to check in wth ‘Durds’ and ‘Bot’ as frequently as possible, and I just want them to always be comfortable and happy.

“As great mates, you want everyone at the Club to be in a comfortable position, to rely on you and call you a great friend.”