Carlton’s Corey Durdin was mistaken for a former North Melbourne namesake last weekend.
As the Blues small forward was kicking goals and picking up disposals against the Giants, Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor thought he was watching ex-Kangaroo Sam Durdin in action.
Taylor said on the broadcast: “Was he doing this stuff at North, Durdin? His turnaround has been amazing.”
The gaffe did not go unnoticed with many on social media calling BT out.
Durdin’s performance landed him the Rising Star nomination and before all the praise, the real topic was discussed on Sportsday.
Sam McClure said of Taylor: “He is one of the best commentators that the game has seen and one of the funniest blokes.
“When that happens you have to take it the right way and that is to laugh.
“Corey Durdin, who has been absolutely great for the Blues, is not Sam Durdin who used to play for North Melbourne, they’re different people.”
In response, the Blues youngster admits there is a family connection with Sam and says the two have been in contact in the wake of the on-air blunder.
“Yeah, we’re distant relatives somehow,” he said.
“We quite haven’t worked out how, but I’m pretty sure all Durdins are related.
“He messaged me after that game for the nomination and said, ‘Mate, I’m living in your shadow now’. I actually said as far as BT’s concerned we’re the same person.”
Durdin says he didn’t really side with a club when he was growing up on the outskirts of Adelaide, but coincidentally did have somewhat of a soft spot for the Roos.
“I wasn’t much of a footy head growing up so I actually didn’t really barrack for anyone,” he added.
“I went for North Melbourne here and there because my old man supported them and out of the two Adelaide teams I went for the Crows.
“Other than that I didn’t really follow any team.”
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Mistaken identity aside, Durdin is loving his role as a small forward under Michael Voss, playing eight games for the 7-2 Blues so far in 2022.
“Like most small forwards I played my juniors as a midfielder, but I was pretty happy to take on the small forward role,” the 20-year-old said.
“I’ve built a really good strength in my pressure and I’m looking forward to making that a role.
“It’s a good way for me to build and shape an AFL career and maybe later down the track we’ll talk about some midfield time.
“‘Vossy’ has been pretty stern on how our small forwards bring pressure in the game.
“That’s been the main measurement on our performance, forward 50 tackles, the relentless pressure and when goals come our way it’s nice.”
Durdin and the fourth-placed Blues meet the fifth-placed Sydney Swans in the match of the round at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.