It was the year in which he was going to give it all away for a chance at a new code at the Yenda Blueheelers, but ironically, it was an injury in a basketball game that helped change his mind and set the gears in motion for a stellar year for the on-baller.

Duncan has been rewarded for his outstanding form by being named as the one of only two representatives from the Riverina Football League (RFL) in the NSW Country side ahead of the Australian Country Championship in Shepparton next month.

However, it was nearly not to be as the all-round sportsmen sought new challenges after growing tired of AFL, by playing for the Griffith Demons basketball side and Yenda.

But a rib injury for the Demons forced his hand not to venture into the fully contact world of rugby league, with his focus then turning to help the Swans get back to the top of the RFL.

It is the second time Duncan has worn the sky blue of his state, however, by his own admission the call up was totally out of the blue.

“I sort of didn’t expect it at all really,” Duncan said.”I hurt my ribs in the first game for the Demons on the Saturday just before the Group 20 knockout and played on the Sunday.

“You can’t get away with being hit in league while you can get away with being hit most of the time in AFL.”

After last season the multiple club best and fairest winner said he had lost the spark to play the game that he loved, but said the arrival of a few old mates to the Swans and developing a more relaxed attitude to his game, has enabled him to reinvent himself.

“I just wanted to have fun this year, I wasn’t even going to play for the RFL, but we trained in Narrandera three times and there were a good bunch of blokes so I said why not,” he said.

Another reason for falling in love with the game all over again has been the appointment of Gerard Toscan as Griffith head coach this year, with Duncan enjoying the opportunity to take an on-field leadership role.