As the second Turkish AFL footballer to ever play, Fremantle rookie Taylin Duman’s debut game on ANZAC Day was particularly special.

Duman played ten games this year after making his debut in round five against the Western Bulldogs, and he is quickly settling into his role in the backline. 

As he reflects on his season, Duman said he would never forget the experience of making his debut on ANZAC Day.

“I debuted in round five against the Bulldogs for ANZAC Day which was a really big buildup, a great atmosphere on the ground and something I’ll never forget,” Duman said.

“You wait for that day your whole life and I remember a lot of it, waiting in the minute’s silence before the game, all the carry on that goes on.

“It was a great crowd, it was the first ANZAC Day at Optus Stadium and I loved it.”

With his Dad originating from Turkey, Duman has enjoyed introducing his family to AFL.

Duman said his Turkish grandparents in particular have embraced the new sport and love watching him play.

“Dad was born in Turkey and moved over here when he was about two years old, he was a soccer player but I always played footy,” Duman said.

“I think there’s only been one other Turkish footballer a few years ago so it’s great to be the second.

“I have Turkish grandparents here and they love it, my grandma loves it when we kick a goal and the umpire waves the flags, that’s one of her favourite bits and she loves Fyfe as well.

“They love watching me on TV and seeing me out there, but my grandma doesn’t really like too much tackling because she gets a bit scared.”

Duman was drafted at pick three in the 2016 rookie draft and played ten games for Fremantle in 2018.