“‘FISH’ has got it . . . Corey’s got it. Corey’s got it! Corey’s got it! Goal — YES!”

Those were the words of Colleen Durdin five minutes into the first quarter, as her son Corey ran into goal at Adelaide Oval to put Carlton’s first on the board.

She was articulating to daughter Shianne — Corey’s younger sister who will always be her older brother’s biggest supporter.

The story of Corey and Shianne’s unbreakable bond has been told before, in particular by AFL Media's Cal Twomey last year.

The story of how despite not being able to see Corey play due to having a condition called leber congenital amaurosis, Shianne is always the loudest voice inside any venue or stadium. The story of how in his journey to AFL football, what Corey is most proud of is his sister’s optimistic outlook and positive energy. The story of how Corey plays his football to bring pride to Shianne and his family.

“It’s my purpose,” Corey said on the day of his 21st birthday.

“Shianne and my family, everyone that’s close to me — I love them so much. It’s to make them proud, to represent myself and my family.

“She doesn’t let it affect her much. It’s pretty inspiring, to know that she’s right behind me and supporting me all the way through. I do the same for her.”

Gather Round marked a big week for the Durdin family, not least given Corey was turning 21 the day after the Blues’ Thursday night clash back in his home state.

There was also open training the day before, where Shianne joined him out on the ground post-session and was greeted by coach Michael Voss and plenty of her brother's teammates.

On the top level of Adelaide Oval, Shianne was mic’d up for Carlton Media in the first quarter, which just so happened to coincide with Corey’s first goal — it was the bright point in an otherwise disappointing quarter for the Blues.

When asked how he thought Shianne would’ve reacted before seeing the vision, Corey’s response was “she would’ve been up and about . . . I hope so!”.

“She was wearing an earpiece to get the radio. She works out what’s going on through that. When the crowd is up and about, she knows there’s a goal kicked or something is happening. 

“It’s an interesting one for her, but she just loves it. She loves the thrill of hearing the crowd, hearing the game and supporting me.”

Since debuting late in the 2021 season, Durdin has looked to provide a modicum of that energy to every game he plays. He chases, he smothers and he kicks goals to not only bring his teammates into the game, but also the crowd.

It can be a hard life as a small forward, but when you’re wearing the No.19 Navy Blue jumper, there’s a certain responsibility that comes with it.

“It’s not just for Shianne’s cause, but I like getting around the fans and the crowd to bring some energy and kindness back into the game. That’s what I thrive off.

“I love seeing people happy. One thing that gives me joy is being around fans seeing smiles on kids’ faces, making a difference in their lives. That’s the best thing I can do to give back.”

It’s clear that Corey wouldn’t change his connection with Shianne for the world.

However, there was one aspect of Shianne’s support on Thursday night that he would’ve changed — the fact she was wearing a Jesse Motlop badge.

“I was a little bit flat . . . I think mine was sold out.”