Sam Durham

Sam Durham (born 09 July 2001) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for Essendon in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Sam Durham
Durham pre-match with Essendon in 2025
Personal information
Full name	Sam Durham
Nickname(s)	Duz
Date of birth	(2001-07-09) 9 July 2001 (age 23)
Original team(s)	Seymour, Murray Bushrangers, Richmond (VFL)
Draft	No. 9, 2021 Mid season draft
Height	185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	84 kg (185 lb)
Position(s)	Defender/Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Essendon
Number	22
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2021–	Essendon	82 (27)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 12, 2025.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

AFL career

Durham was recruited by Essendon with the 9th draft pick in the 2021 mid-season draft.^[1] He made his debut in round 18 of the 2021 season against North Melbourne. He collected 11 disposals in an 18-point victory.

Durham was upgraded to Essendon's senior list for the 2023 season after a season and a half on the rookie list.^[2] Durham kicked the winning goal for Essendon with 7 seconds left, in the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match against Richmond.^[3] Durham also won Essendon's Player of the Month award in August of that season, to cap off a strong season.^[4]

Durham again rose to new heights in the 2024 season, having his true breakout season as he was deployed as a full time midfielder and established himself as one of Essendon's best and most important players.^[5][6][7] During the season, Durham also signed a 4 year contract extension with the Bombers, through to the end of 2028.^[8]

Statistics

Updated to the end of 2024.^[9]

Legend

G	Goals	K	Kicks	D	Disposals	T	Tackles
B	Behinds	H	Handballs	M	Marks

Season	Team	No.	Games	Totals							Averages (per game)							Votes
				G	B	K	H	D	M	T	G	B	K	H	D	M	T
2021	Essendon	42	7	1	2	47	52	99	31	9	0.1	0.3	6.7	7.4	14.1	4.4	1.3	0
2022	Essendon	22	20	5	6	140	161	301	91	35	0.3	0.3	7.0	8.1	15.1	4.6	1.8	0
2023	Essendon	22	22	5	2	178	185	363	107	47	0.2	0.1	8.1	8.4	16.5	4.9	2.1	0
2024	Essendon	22	22	10	5	235	235	470	88	97	0.5	0.2	10.7	10.7	21.4	4.0	4.4	6
Career			71	21	15	600	633	1233	317	188	0.3	0.2	8.5	8.9	17.4	4.5	2.7	6

Notes