Port Adelaide forward Corey Durdin said the home Showdown atmosphere on Saturday night was ‘unbelievable’, comparing it to the excitement of a big game at the MCG.
In his second Showdown, Durdin kicked a season-high three goals, and has continued his audition for the best recruit of 2026 across the league.
Speaking with the Adelaide media on Wednesday, Durdin reflected on the weekend’s win, spoke about the confidence among the group and his own form and growth throughout the season.
Durdin on the Showdown win
“Yeah, definitely (is a night you dream about having). I've obviously played in some big games over at Carlton, but coming over, absolutely knew the rivalry was real. After playing two Showdowns this year, one close one, but the win on the weekend was just unbelievable. Was one of the best wins of my career as well. So, yeah, very happy to get the win.
Durdin on how the Showdown atmosphere compares to the MCG
“Very similar. I actually say that the atmosphere Adelaide Oval matches the ‘G, so I've been rapt with the Port fans coming out and showing their support on the weekend, and it definitely helped with our momentum, hearing them chant for us loudly in the last quarter.”
Durdin on his own form
“I think a change of environment has been great for me, getting back home, bit closer to family, I'm a lot more settled Coming into this program, Carry’s (Josh Carr) been great, he's made my role real simple, he's happy with me kicking goals, which is what I want to do. It’s a great bunch of teammates that I play alongside. So, I've settled in, and the transition has been really easy, and now I can just worry about playing good footy.”
Durdin on his belief in himself
“I almost looked at the back end of last year and was going, I don't know if I'm really getting the best out of myself at Carlton. I know when I came over, a lot of people weren't expecting much, but the belief for me was always there, and yeah, I definitely had a bit of a chip on my shoulder, especially after hearing some comments (from public figures). So, yeah, I'm just happy to be playing good footy in this side and playing consistently.”
Durdin on the outside noise last week
“I think the noise around us leading into the Showdown was that, you know, we were going to get smashed, and you we weren’t really a competitive team, and we used that as motivation to come out and make a statement. We went after the Crows with our pressure and ultimately got the win.
“I think leading into the game, we were so motivated as a group to get the win, especially after losing closely last time. We had some young boys come into the group that we were really happy with, and we brought them in for a good purpose and a good role, and we backed them in to play well. I could list a whole heap of names of guys that played really well on the night.”
Durdin on the confidence in the group
“Yeah, certainly. I've been part of teams before where it's been a long way off, but what I feel with this group is that there's a lot of good footy to come. Some of the games where we haven't got the result we want, but the process throughout the week, guys buying in, and some of the ways the boys have played, yeah, I think for me there's a lot of confidence, and I can feel that amongst the group as well.”
Durdin on North Melbourne
“I haven't watched too much of their footy, but some days they turn up, sometimes maybe not. So, I'm keen to just crack in. We've looked ahead past the Showdown now, and we've got our eyes set on Sunday, so we've got to shift our mindset quickly and show up.”
Durdin on losing his goal streak
“During the game I was aware of it, but to be honest, once I finished the game, I was sort of glad I was over, just because I was like, I don't have to think about it going into games now, I can just play footy. So it was nice to come out and kick some goals the next week.”
Durdin on Miles Bergman’s possible return this week
“Certainly (looking forward to him being back). He's put his hand up for selection, and we've got training tomorrow, so I think he's nearing a return, and I'm pretty keen to get back playing with him.”
Durdin on his soccer goal on the weekend
“I don't even know what I was thinking with that, to be honest. I just saw the ball and had a shot and got a decent connection on it, but yeah, it's been a bit of a theme lately (during World Cup). There's been a few goals getting kicked off the ground.”
Durdin on how a win can motivate the rest of the season
“I think that the belief amongst the group has been there all year, and to win a big game like that, I think just further improves that. I think throughout the week, the whole year, we've had guys buying in, coming in, looking to get better, so that (win) just adds a bit of momentum for us, and if we take that into the back half of the year and bring the right attitude, and we keep competing, and hopefully results come.”
Durdin on Zak Butters’ form
“He's been super. His ability to put it all together in big games. You saw how well he played on the weekend, he's a tough competitor. He's got speed, he's a great kick. So it's been great as a forward to be able to lead up to him, and the way he's gone about it this year, I think it's been super. His leadership out in the field, he's a hard nut, and I love playing with him.”
