Sam Durdin is a testament to resilience in the AFL system. A former first-round draft pick who experienced the highs of being a top prospect and the lows of multiple delistings, Durdin has carved out a respected career as a key defender who simply refuses to give up.
After stints with North Melbourne and Carlton, and a premiership-winning run in the SANFL, his journey has been one of persistence.
In this article, you will know Sam Durdin’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and his current status in 2026.
Sam Durdin’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sam Durdin |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 199 cm |
| Weight | 98 kg |
| Drafted | Pick 16, 2014 National Draft |
| Position | Key Defender |
| Former Teams | North Melbourne, Carlton |
| Current Team | Box Hill Hawks (VFL) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Career Earnings | Est. $800,000+ (Gross) |
| Wife | Emma Durdin |
| @sam_durdin |
Early Career
Growing up in South Australia, Sam Durdin was considered one of the most promising tall talents in the country. He played his junior football for West Adelaide in the SANFL, where his athleticism and ability to read the play stood out.
At nearly 200cm, he was a rare prospect who could play as a key defender or swing forward to pinch-hit in the ruck. His endurance and agility for a big man drew comparisons to established AFL stars, raising his stock significantly leading into the draft.
In 2014, his potential was recognized on the national stage when North Melbourne selected him with their first selection, pick 16, in the National Draft. This placed significant expectations on his shoulders as a teenager moving interstate to Victoria.
While injuries and the challenge of developing into an AFL-sized body delayed his debut, his early years were spent refining his craft in the VFL, waiting for an opportunity to break into the Kangaroos’ senior lineup.
Professional Career
Durdin’s professional career has been a rollercoaster of opportunities and setbacks. He finally made his AFL debut for North Melbourne in 2017, three years after being drafted.
Over the next few seasons, he played 22 games for the Kangaroos, showing flashes of his intercept marking ability but struggling to cement a permanent spot in the best 22.
Following the 2020 season, North Melbourne made mass list changes, and Durdin was delisted, seemingly ending his AFL dream.
However, Durdin returned to South Australia to play for Glenelg in the SANFL, where he dominated. He became a premiership player and was widely regarded as the best defender outside the AFL.
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This form caught the eye of Carlton, who threw him a lifeline in the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft. Durdin returned to the AFL level with the Blues, adding depth to their defensive stocks.
Although injuries limited his senior appearances at Carlton to just two games between 2022 and 2024, his leadership in the VFL was invaluable. After being delisted by Carlton at the end of 2024, he signed with the Box Hill Hawks (VFL) for the 2025 season, continuing his career as a leader at the state league level.
Wife
Sam Durdin is married to Emma Durdin. The couple has been together for many years, supporting each other through the turbulent nature of Sam’s football career, which has involved multiple interstate moves between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sam often credits Emma for her unwavering support, describing her as his “biggest supporter.”
The couple shares a private life away from the heavy media scrutiny typical of higher-profile players, but they occasionally share moments of their life together on social media.
Sam Durdin’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Sam Durdin’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000.
Contract
Sam Durdin is currently not on an AFL list for the 2026 season. His last AFL contract was with the Carlton Football Club, which concluded at the end of 2024. For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he has been contracted to the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL.
State league contracts are significantly smaller than AFL deals, typically ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 for top-tier experienced players, often supplemented by employment outside of football.
Salary
Durdin’s income is primarily derived from his VFL match payments and his off-field career. During his final years at Carlton (2023-2024), he was on a rookie list contract, which had a base salary of approximately $85,000 to $100,000, plus match payments for senior games.
Now playing in the VFL, his football income would be a fraction of that, likely in the range of $20,000 – $40,000 depending on games played and leadership bonuses.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Box Hill (VFL) | ~$30,000 (State League) |
| 2024 | Carlton | ~$110,000 |
| 2023 | Carlton | ~$100,000 |
| 2022 | Carlton | ~$50,000 (Half-year rookie) |
| 2015-2020 | North Melbourne | ~$500,000 (Total over 6 years) |
| Total | ~ | ~$800,000 (Gross Career) |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Games | 24 (22 North Melbourne, 2 Carlton) |
| Career Goals | 1 |
| Draft History | Pick 16 (2014), Pick 13 (2022 Mid-Season) |
| VFL/SANFL | 100+ State League Games |
| Honors | SANFL Premiership Player (Glenelg 2021) |
FAQs
1. Is Sam Durdin still playing AFL?
No, Sam Durdin is not on an AFL list in 2026. After being delisted by Carlton at the end of 2024, he moved to the Box Hill Hawks to play in the VFL.
2. Who is Sam Durdin’s wife?
Sam Durdin is married to Emma Durdin. She has been a long-time partner and supporter throughout his football journey across Victoria and South Australia.
3. Which clubs did Sam Durdin play for?
He played for North Melbourne (2015–2020) and Carlton (2022–2024) at the AFL level, and Glenelg in the SANFL.
4. What was Sam Durdin’s draft pick?
Sam Durdin was originally a first-round selection, taken with Pick 16 in the 2014 AFL National Draft by North Melbourne.
5. What is Sam Durdin’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000. This reflects his earnings from approximately 10 years in professional and semi-professional football systems.
