IT HASN’T been an easy ride for Corey Durdin - he’s the first to admit that.

His first AFL game at the end of 2021 was a heavy loss to Port Adelaide back in his home state, and after cementing himself as a regular in Michael Voss’ first Carlton team in 2022, injuries have largely derailed his last two seasons.

With three shoulder reconstructions, hamstring injuries and then an ankle problem this year delaying his start to the campaign, 2025 could’ve been similar to 2023 and 2024 for the Blues’ No.19 - but he’s been desperate to make things work.

Getting himself back in the team in Gather Round, Durdin’s return coincided with a four-goal performance against West Coast, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Speaking to Channel 9 for an extensive chat earlier in the week, Durdin said he would “keep showing up” for the team that he recently chalked up 50 games for.

00:59

Interview: Durdin embraces underdog mantle (Channel 9)

Corey Durdin spoke to Channel 9 after the small forward's return to the AFL side.

“It’s been challenging at times… but it’s part of the gig, isn’t it? When you keep showing up and start to get some good form and some reward, you savour those moments,” Durdin said.

“I love playing this sport, and I get to do what I love. At the end of the day, if I’ve got to put my body on the line for the team, it’s something I’m prepared to do.

“I like to be the underdog. I feel like I’ve always been the underdog. People look at the me and go ‘far out, he’s pretty short’ out there on the field - but I don’t think there’s anything stopping me from becoming a really good player.”

I like to be the underdog. I feel like I’ve always been the underdog... I don't think there's anything stopping me from being a really good player.

- Corey Durdin, speaking to Channel 9

A close mate of Jesse Motlop who will also hit 50 games for Carlton this weekend, the pair of small forwards haven’t been able to get out there together as much as they’d like to in recent years.

After featuring in 12 of the last 14 games together in 2022, the two had only managed 14 games together in the preceding two seasons - so the last five weeks since Durdin’s return has been a welcome change.

And while the duo relish the excitement of football, they have well and truly embraced that as modern day small forwards, that isn’t always measured simply by kicking goals: that’s being driven not only by the coaches, but also the leaders of the forward line.

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AFL R7 | Spring-loaded Durdin leaps into MOTY contention AGAIN

Corey Durdin uses Sam De Koning as a stepladder before popping through a deserved goal equal to the moment

“You like to play football with spark and energy.

“As small forwards, it’s been really strongly handed down to us that if we get our pressure right and buy into team defence, we’re going to be a good team. It doesn’t matter too much about how many touches we get: as long as we’re valuing the right things in our defence and pressure, we’ll be getting our jobs done.

“When we get to see Harry and Charlie going well, it fills the boots of all of us in the team - and in the forward line especially. We feel like we’re better players when they’re going well, so it’s really important for us to help them be at their best and make the game easier for them.

“When we get our reward, it comes straight back to us from those boys. They love it when we’re putting on pressure, creating energy and scoring goals. We’re building a really strong subculture among the forwards, and they’ve been really good at driving that.”