Backing up a strong 2024 campaign, Sam Durham has further cemented himself as a mainstay in Essendon’s midfield, averaging a career-high 21.8 disposals and 5.3 clearances.

Driven by team success, Durham’s selfless approach has been crucial in helping the Bombers’ emerging midfield grow.

While the season may not have delivered the desired results, Durham’s excitement for the club’s youthful core is clear, and he is already looking ahead with confidence to 2026.

Durham on 2025 as a whole…

Coming into 2025, I felt we had a strong group and could have a strong impact on the competition. Unfortunately, injuries and such didn’t go our way.

As frustrating as that is, the upside is some younger guys who wouldn’t have played this year got a taste of AFL footy.

That’s exciting for next year because they’ll be hungrier and it pushes the group forward.

Durham on the group building resilience through a tough season…

It’s a tough one. For the injured guys, it’s frustrating, especially recurring or season-ending injuries.

But for those who weren’t expected to play, getting games this year was massive. It makes competition for spots stronger, which is only good for the team.

Durham on handling expectations as a first-picked player…

I don’t let it change the way I play.

I pride myself on being consistent with my effort, regardless of how the team is going.

I’ll always play better when the team’s flying, but my intent will never waver.

I don’t get caught up in outside noise; I’m more focused on what’s being said internally and how I can help the team.

Durham on the pillars of his game…

When I moved into the midfield, I learned a lot from guys like Darcy Parish, Will Setterfield, Jye Caldwell, and Zach Merrett.

I feel like I bring a different dynamic with my run and contest work.

They’re strengths, but there’s still plenty of improvement especially in my running across four quarters.

Durham on his next leap heading into 2026…

Consistency over full games and across a season.

I know I can have big quarters or halves, but I want to string together full games and then build that over months.

That’s the goal: sustained impact, no matter how tough or easy the season feels.

Durham on contest work and peer recognition…

It’s cool to be recognised by your peers (on AFLPA most courageous nomination) for having a crack, but that’s just part of my role.

Caldwell and I work well together at clearances; we don’t care who gets the footy as long as we’re driving it forward.

Some weeks I get more clearances, other weeks someone else does. That doesn’t bother us internally.

Durham on the energy of the younger brigade…

Guys like Angus Clarke, Archie Roberts, Zak Johnson, and Rhys Unwin come in each week with great energy, no matter the result.

They treat every week as a new opportunity, which is a good reminder for everyone.

I’m excited for the young guys. They brought energy through some tough times, which is infectious.

They’ve kept spirits high and that’s going to be important moving forward.

Durham on his off-season plans…

Last year I didn’t get away, which in hindsight wasn’t great for a mental refresh.

This year I’m heading overseas with my partner and will catch up with some of the boys for three weeks.

I’ll come back refreshed and ready to attack pre-season and 2026.