Taylin Duman’s fourth pre-season in the AFL system has been unlike his previous three at Fremantle, with a special arrival adding a ‘new perspective’ for the Fremantle defender.

Duman and partner Claudia welcomed their baby daughter Ayla earlier this month on February 9, with the 21-year-old relishing his experience as a new parent.

“It’s been great for me and my partner Claudia…she is beautiful,” Duman said.

“Ayla is going really well; she’s sleeping really well and feeding strongly so far.

“All the nurses and midwives are happy with how she is going, and Claudia has recovered very well, so we’re really enjoying our time being parents.”

Duman said the birth of Ayla had brought a fresh outlook on life, one he is hoping will translate to his football in 2020.

“I’m loving it so far; it definitely puts a new perspective on how you see things,” Duman said.

“Coming to the club is really enjoyable, but I’m also just itching to get home and go see her.

“Every day she is changing, so it really puts some perspective on life and, hopefully, that can help my football as well.”

After spending time in Bali and at Rottnest Island following the 2018 season, Duman opted to stay home during the recent off-season break to spend time with his partner.

The homestay also provided the opportunity for Duman to train at the club and put in extra hours running and in the gym.

 “It was not much of a break, I stayed here over Christmas because Claudia wasn’t allowed to fly,” Duman said.

“It gave me a good opportunity to train here and train hard and get lots of work in while everyone else was sort of away on holidays.

“I could really knuckle down and get the best out of myself.” 

Duman said the absence of Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling at the beginning of the 2020 season will bring an opportunity for his fellow defenders to take on more responsibility in the Fremantle backline.

Duman believes Griffin Logue and Brennan Cox are priming themselves to fill the defensive role. 

“It’s obviously going to be disappointing not having Alex and Joel available, but it’s a great opportunity for other boys to step up,” Duman said.

“Griffin and Brennan are the two main ones who can really fill that key void.

“I think everyone has just got to pick up their weight a bit and play a little bit better to try fill the void of Joel and Alex.

“(Griffin and Brennan) have been really strong in their training and it’ll be great to see how they go in the Marsh Community Series and how the new backline, for now, really gels together.

“Coxy’ was a centre half back All-Australian in the under 18’s, so hopefully he can come through and play the role he was drafted for really.”

Duman said his own fitness base continues to develop and improve as he enters his fourth season at Fremantle. 

“I don’t think I’ve missed too many sessions, if any at all,” Duman said.

“I feel like I’m growing each year and getting fitter and learning my craft down back. 

“Hopefully, I can step forward and have a bigger year this year.”