Sub sweet for Duryea

Duryea is hoping to win back to back flags - most of his Hawthorn teammates are going for the three-peat - with a win in Saturday’s grand final against West Coast.

The former Murray Bushranger took off the green vest 10 minutes into the final quarter last year against Sydney, when the Hawks had the game won.

But he made the most of his time on the ground, collecting nine disposals and three marks.

Duryea said coming on as a substitute in the grand final was far better than being emergency for the 2013 win over Fremantle.

“It didn’t matter at all being a sub,” he said.

“In 20 years no one will remember the sub rule.

“To be part of the team was a dream come true.

“I was out there when the siren rang, so no one can take that away from you.”

Duryea enters this grand final in unfamiliar territory - as a key member.

The 24-year-old was one of Hawthorn’s best in its 27-point win over Fremantle in the preliminary final, keeping Hayden Ballantyne to one goal while collecting 26 disposals.

Duryea could find himself on any number of Eagles in the grand final including Mark LeCras, Josh Hill or their resting midfielders.

LeCras tore the Hawks apart in the qualifying final in Perth when the Eagles won by 32 points.

Duryea was a substitute in that game, replacing ruckman David Hale in the third quarter.

“I don’t know what my role will be,” Duryea said.

“I’m a small defender so it’s pretty clear cut most weeks.

“We’ve got a flexible backline which is a strength and we’ve played together a few years now.”

Duryea’s football journey is similar to that of Finley-raised Geelong star Tom Hawkins, having gone to primary and secondary school in Corowa before finishing his schooling at Caulfield Grammar.

He still calls Wahgunyah home.

“It’s obviously a smaller club, but there’s some great people there,” he said.

“It was great for my development.

“It kickstarted things playing above my age group.”