Carlton coach Michael Voss has opened up on Carlton's plan for mid-season recruit Sam Durdin, revealing that the defender still has work to do to earn a spot in the senior team, but is showing promise.
The Blues recruited Durdin with pick 13 in the 2022 AFL mid-season draft, adding some much needed depth into their backline.
Durdin, who played 21 games for North Melbourne during his six years at the club, was recruited from Glenelg in the SANFL where he was a standout key defender, highly rated for his ability to defend one on one and intercept.
Speaking to the ABC on Saturday, Voss explained that the Blues would be patient with their new recruit as he continued to pick up Carlton's game style.
"Maybe it might help him a little that he’s playing a bit more key post,” Voss said.
"He’s probably just got to understand what is going on up the field to try and help him. Certainly playing in that back 6/back 7 it’s about trust and understanding.
"The more relationships that he can build really quickly the better it’ll be.
We had our first look at Sam Durdin in a Navy Blue jumper yesterday, as the @CarltonReserves unfortunately fell by nine points at Windy Hill.
The full summary, all the goals and Durdin's best work can all be found below. 👇
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 12, 2022
“We understand that he’ll take a little while to pick up the game nuances that we’re after.
“He’s familiar with his position, so that is certainly a start.”
The 26-year-old had a solid afternoon in the VFL on Saturday in his first outing in navy blue, ending the day with 14 disposals, six marks and three rebound 50s.
Fellow mid-season recruit Will Hayes was busy too, finishing the match with 23 disposals and nine tackles to his name.
Carlton will face Richmond on Thursday night at the MCG in Round 14. While in the VFL, the Blues are set for a Friday night clash with Footscray at Ikon Park.
