WHILE in some years the leading AFL Draft prospect is clear as day, much like in 2024, there is no real consensus regarding who the nation’s number one talent is. In the return of our Race to #1 series, we highlight at a half-dozen prospects who are in the frame for said honours.

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Kicking off the 2025 edition is Gippsland Power utility Willem Duursma. The W of his X, Y, and Z-named siblings is looking to join them in reaching the elite level. The youngest Duursma is already the tallest and may well be the most talented, pending his top-age campaign.

>> Ones to watch: Top 25 AFL Draft prospects in 2025

BY THE NUMBERS:

2024 AFL U18 National Championships (3 games)
13.7 disposals | 2.3 marks | 1.3 tackles | 3.3 rebound 50s | 0.3 goals

2024 Coates Talent League (15 games)
16.1 disposals | 4.6 marks | 1.9 tackles | 3.0 inside 50s | 1.0 goals

ACCOLADES:

– 2025 AFL Academy member
– 2024 AFL Life Members Scholarship
– 2024 National Futures match
– 2024 Vic Country U18 debut
– 2024 Gippsland Power Young Gun award
– 2023 Coates Talent League debut
– 2023 Vic Country U16 MVP
– 2023 U16 All-Australian
– 2022 SSV U15 All-Australian

STRENGTHS

+ Aerial ability
+ Athleticism
+ Composure
+ Disposal efficiency
+ Versatility
+ Vision

Duursma is a player with several ‘AFL traits’, and much of his upside is observed in his athletic profile. A talented junior basketballer, he is clean overhead and has a spring-heeled leap similar to brother Zane, extending to take the ball at the top of his reach.

Ground coverage is another area where Duursma thrives. He is deceptively quick and nimble for a 191cm player, using his long stride to snatch metres or stepping through traffic with agile steps. The latter is where his composure and vision also come to the fore.

Particularly when plying his trade in defence, Duursma is wonderfully poised in possession and tends to make the right decisions. Even in tight spots, his vision is exceptional and he combines his athletic gifts with sound skills to change the angles going forward.

The smooth moving utility is somewhat of a coach’s dream with such dynamism and versatility. He can play tall and small, has been utilised at either end of the ground, and on both sides of midfield. While not a massive accumulator yet, he is expansive with each touch and hardly wastes them.

QUESTION MARK(S)

There can be an element of overchoice with a prospect whose skills are so applicable to a variety of roles. His base over the last couple of years has been in defence and on the wing, though he is quite a difficult matchup inside attacking 50 and has shown his wares at centre bounces.

Arguably below key position height, he was made to play a touch taller in Vic Country’s Under 18 backline last year and struggled to show his usual dynamism. He’s at his best when able to peel off an opponent and distribute the ball freely, rather than locking down on hulking opponents.

If he is to pursue more midfield minutes, Duursma can look to translate his one-touch exploits overhead to more assured ground ball work. Adding size to his rangy frame will help to win more contested possessions and utilise his athleticism coming away from the contest.

Naturally, as a top-ager he will likely become a more prominent and consistent accumulator. He averaged 16.1 disposals and 4.6 marks per game in the CTL last season, so with more responsibility and ways to find the footy – like at ground level – he can impact games even further.

OUR SCOUTS SAID…

“Duursma displayed his versatility with a half down back before shifting into midfield. He was entrusted with the kick-in duties and looked most dangerous when able to utilise his athleticism on the attack, carrying the ball and distributing it at 95 per cent efficiency. He was made to play tall at times, and while that was a challenge against game opposition forwards, he looked comfortable getting his hands on the ball in midfield.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 National Futures match

“The bottom-aged star was a mainstay on the wing all game, covering ground easily and providing an option in space, but also demonstrating his ability under pressure and comfortability in the contest when the time called for it. Duursma’s skills were particularly noticeable early in the piece when others were getting used to the conditions, cleanly picking up ground balls with one hand and using it well by foot to follow.” – Declan Reeve, 2024 Coates Talent League Round 15

“Duursma’s versatility continues to be a strength as he ventured to Gippsland’s forwardline. The athletic bottom-ager had some sturdy Sandringham defenders for company, but troubled them with his movement and dynamism both in the air and across the ground. Duursma’s second quarter was arguably his best, where he had two attempts on goal and showcased his aerial ability with a hitout win and terrific overhead mark.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 Coates Talent League Round 9

“The similarities between Willem and his elder brother Zane are uncanny, albeit with the younger sibling plying his trade down back. He moves just as smoothly and extends at the aerial ball with sublime timing, also with much of the same athletic upside. Duursma junior looked accomplished beyond his years and saw the play in front of him with 20/20 vision, holding his own in a physical match.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 Coates Talent League Round 17

“In arguably a best afield performance, Duursma was all class down back. The 189cm prospect – already taller than his three elder siblings – is a smooth mover who assesses his options well, and isn’t afraid to either take opponents on or absorb pressure to find the best option. While his execution by foot was not always on point, Duursma’s blend of athleticism and composure often got him out of trouble, as did his clean handling.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 U16 National Championships

WHERE HE SITS

Duursma was our choice for the number one prospect heading into 2025, though there is no clear consensus amongst recruiters. From a field of around six prospects, his profile appeals the most with all the athletic traits clubs could ask for, outstanding versatility, and a professional attitude. Having three role models to look up to – his siblings – will only help him adhere to the standards required both mentally and off-field. On-field, he ticks all the right boxes and has the kind of upside required for such early selections. His exposed form across several years in the pathway suggests he has the bankability, too.

Up next: Race to #1 – Zeke Uwland