In a stunning family triumph, Willem Duursma has outshone his three older sporting siblings by being selected as the number one pick in Wednesday night's AFL draft, earning ultimate bragging rights in Australia's most talented football family.
Family Dynasty Continues
The West Coast Eagles secured the 18-year-old utility player with their prized first selection, making him the third Duursma brother to enter the AFL ranks. Willem now joins brothers Xavier (Essendon) and Zane (North Melbourne) in the elite competition, while sister Yasmin continues her career with Carlton in the AFLW.
What makes Willem's achievement particularly remarkable is that he has surpassed all his siblings in draft positioning. His eldest brother Xavier, now 25, was originally picked at number 18 by Port Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Essendon at the end of 2023. Zane completed his second season at North Melbourne after being taken with pick number 4 in 2023, while sister Jasmin began her journey with Port Adelaide at pick number 45 in 2022 before joining Carlton.
Stage Presence and Superhero Banter
The draft ceremony provided several memorable moments, including former number one pick Harley Reid presenting Duursma with his West Coast jumper. The pair share a personal connection, with Reid having previously been in a relationship with Duursma's sister, Yasmin.
During his interview, Duursma displayed both humility and quick wit. When questioned about his athletic prowess and potential Olympic aspirations if football didn't work out, he modestly responded, "Don't think I'm that good of an athlete."
The conversation then turned to his love of superhero comics, with former Hawthorn star Ben Dixon asking about potential "Batman and Robin action" with Harley Reid next season. Duursma's confident reply - "If I'm Batman" - drew roars of laughter from the audience and praise from presenter Sarah Jones, who admired his "swagger."
Versatile Talent with Dance Background
Standing at an impressive 193cm, Duursma brings remarkable versatility to West Coast. The Gippsland Power product has demonstrated elite ability playing off halfback, but his talent truly shines when injected into the midfield. He models his game on Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli, drawing clear parallels in their playing styles.
In a revealing interview with 7NEWS conducted a week before the draft, Duursma expressed excitement about potentially moving interstate. "Ever since I've really picked up a footy, I've just waited for this moment trying to get drafted and then, yeah, it's finally here," he shared. "Whether it's West Coast, whether it's anywhere else, like, it'd be unreal to go there."
The young star from Foster, located two hours east of Melbourne, has already achieved rockstar status in his hometown. Beyond his football achievements, Duursma maintains an unexpected passion for performing arts. He remains an active member of his mother Susie's dance academy, having performed three shows this week alone.
His dance training extends to teaching responsibilities, with Duursma conducting ballet and tap classes on Tuesday nights throughout the year. He acknowledges the cross-training benefits for his football career, particularly given his height. "It's definitely helped, you know, especially being 193cm, so obviously you've got to be able to move well," he explained. "Otherwise, you know, you get found out going up against smaller mids. But I think that it's definitely helped. I think that as much as I hate to say it, and (mum) claims it."
With his unique blend of athletic prowess, family pedigree, and surprising artistic talents, Willem Duursma represents one of the most exciting prospects in recent AFL draft history, poised to make an immediate impact at West Coast Eagles.
