West Coast Eagles sensation Harley Reid has thrown his support behind emerging talent Willem Duursma, publicly endorsing the Gippsland Power player as his pick for the coveted number one selection in the upcoming AFL draft.
Rising Star Endorses Draft Prospect
The reigning Rising Star winner made his surprising revelation during a recent media appearance, explaining why he believes the young midfielder-forward deserves the top honour. Reid's endorsement carries significant weight given his own rapid ascent in the AFL and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the elite level.
Reid specifically highlighted Duursma's versatility as a key asset, noting his ability to impact games both through the midfield and when playing forward. This dual-threat capability makes him particularly valuable in modern Australian Rules football, where positional flexibility has become increasingly important.
Family Legacy and Football Pedigree
Willem Duursma comes from impressive football stock, being the younger brother of Port Adelaide player Xavier Duursma. The family connection to elite football provides Willem with unique insights and preparation for the challenges of professional sport.
Reid emphasized that Duursma has demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the Coates Talent League season, regularly performing at a high level against his peers. This reliability, combined with his natural talent, makes him a compelling choice for clubs holding early draft selections.
The West Coast star also pointed to Duursma's football intelligence and decision-making under pressure as qualities that separate him from other prospects. These attributes often prove crucial in determining which young players successfully transition to AFL competition.
Draft Position Implications
While North Melbourne currently holds the number one draft pick, speculation continues about whether they might trade the selection. This uncertainty adds intrigue to Reid's public support of Duursma, particularly given the Eagles' own position in the draft order.
Reid's endorsement comes at a critical time in the draft evaluation process, with clubs finalizing their assessments ahead of the November selection meeting. His perspective as a recent high draft pick who has successfully adapted to AFL football provides valuable context for evaluating this year's prospects.
The West Coast player stopped short of suggesting his own club should specifically target Duursma, instead focusing on why he believes the young talent merits consideration as the draft's top selection regardless of which club ultimately holds that pick.
As the AFL draft approaches, attention will increasingly focus on whether club recruiters share Reid's assessment of Duursma's potential and whether the Gippsland Power product will indeed hear his name called first on draft night.
