{"id":153768,"date":"2024-04-02T11:45:19","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T01:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=153768"},"modified":"2024-04-02T15:16:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T05:16:19","slug":"coates-talent-league-player-focus-willem-duursma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/04\/02\/coates-talent-league-player-focus-willem-duursma\/","title":{"rendered":"Coates Talent League Player Focus: Willem Duursma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GIPPSLAND Power bottom-ager Willem Duursma<\/a> kicked off his 2024 Coates Talent League season in style on Friday, contributing strongly to the Power’s 16-point win over Dandenong. The 191cm utility thrived in a relatively new role on the wing, showcasing all the upside he is already renowned for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willem is looking to become the fourth Duursma sibling to make it to the elite level via Gippsland’s pathway region, after elder brothers Xavier<\/strong> and Zane<\/strong>, and sister Yasmin<\/strong>. Already the tallest of his clan, when it’s all said and done, he may well also be regarded as the most talented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also a high level basketballer, Duursma is considered a very early pick one contender in the 2025 AFL Draft for his versatility, athletic upside, and notable skill. He’s the type of player who makes things look easy, and did so at times as our Round 2 Coates Talent League Player Focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Utility<\/span><\/div>

Willem Duursma<\/h4>

Height: <\/span>193cm<\/p>

Weight: <\/span> - <\/p>

DOB: <\/span>21-06-2007<\/p><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>

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PLAYER FOCUS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2024 Coates Talent League: Round 2
Dandenong Stingrays 14.9 (93) def. by Gippsland Power 16.13 (109)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7<\/strong> Willem Duursma<\/a> (Gippsland Power)<\/strong>
Stats:<\/strong> 21 disposals (13 kicks, 8 handballs), 7 marks, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIRST QUARTER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duursma started the match on the wing where he had an early impact. His strong application of forward pressure resulted in an affected Dandenong kick, which led to a Gippsland goal. His speed and agility were on display as he won a great ground ball and sped away from his opponent, pushing forward from centre wing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean possession in one-on-one contests, good evasion, and open lead options meant Duursma continued to be involved early on. His run and zip in transition is clearly among his strong suits, as his athleticism and composure came to the fore in key moments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a four-minute spell, Duursma’s focused shifted towards a more defensive assisted role at half-back, cleaning up spillages as the ball got out the back of a contest. While he spilled a couple of marks after leaping too early and getting underneath the ball, Gippsland was never really punished. Most likely, he was blowing out the cobwebs in his first game of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SECOND QUARTER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second term was more of the same from Duursma. His handballs were clean and hit targets, he applied great tackling pressure, and showcased strong work rate which he has the stamina for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He attended two consecutive centre bounces in the middle of the quarter where he contested the ball well. While he was sucked into the contest a couple of times, he looked damaging with his speed on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of open chances meant he gave the Power plenty of options and opportunities, and stopped a great counter attack with a rundown tackle in the corridor. Overall, a consistent and hard working first half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Rookie Me Central (@rookiemecentral)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>