West Coast Eagles' emerging talent Willem Duursma has opened up about the valuable lessons he has taken from spending time with teammate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. The young midfielder, who is considered a strong prospect for the AFL Rising Star award, highlighted the influence of the experienced player on his development.
Key Takeaways from Training
Duursma, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2023, has been training closely with Wanganeen-Milera, a player known for his silky skills and football IQ. The 19-year-old revealed that observing Wanganeen-Milera's work ethic and decision-making has been instrumental in his own growth.
“He’s a really smart player, and he reads the game so well,” Duursma said. “Just watching how he positions himself and how he uses the ball has been a big learning curve for me. I’ve tried to pick up little things from his game, like his evasive skills and his ability to find space.”
Building Confidence
Duursma also noted that the support from Wanganeen-Milera has boosted his confidence on the field. “He’s always encouraging me to back my instincts and take the game on. That’s something I’ve really taken on board.”
The Eagles have high hopes for Duursma, who has shown glimpses of his potential in the early stages of his career. With the guidance of players like Wanganeen-Milera, the club is optimistic about his future contributions.
Rising Star Prospects
Duursma's performances have put him in contention for the AFL Rising Star award, a recognition given to the league's best young player. While he remains focused on team success, the individual accolade is a testament to his rapid development.
“I’m just trying to play my role for the team and keep improving,” Duursma said. “If that leads to Rising Star recognition, that would be great, but my main focus is on helping the Eagles win games.”
The Eagles will be hoping that Duursma continues to absorb the lessons from Wanganeen-Milera as he aims to establish himself as a key player in the AFL.
