THE cheers have gone up early on AFL Draft night at the Foster Football Club after their favourite son, Willem Duursma, went as pick number one to West Coast Eagles.
The social rooms were packed for the event, and the club wasted no time posting a video of the big reception they gave Willem when he was named the top pick for 2025.
He joins his three siblings on AFL lists, including Xavier, who at 25 is the eldest, and went at pick No.18 to Port Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Essendon at the end of 2023.
Zane just completed his second season at North Melbourne after being taken with pick No.4 in 2023, while sister Jasmin was originally taken by Port Adelaide with pick No.45 in 2022 before joining Carlton.
Speaking after his highly-expected selection at No.1, Willem said it was the culmination of a long-held dream to play AFL football.
“Yeah, obviously very special. You work so hard and finally it’s a dream come true.”
How hard has it been knowing that you were likely to go as Number 1 pick?
Obviously, it’s not easy but to have the support of your family and mates, your coaches as well, and everyone at the Foster Football Club, it’s been fine.”
Willem was also ribbed by the AFL Draft interviewer, Ben Dixon, about his dancing exploits at his mum Sue’s dance school saying it added something to his preparation as did the competitive play in the backyard.
Speaking about Duursma’s selection as Number 1 and why he stood out to recruiters, 40-year AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan described him as a Mr Fixit, offering great versatility to his new club.
“He was a standout for Gippsland Power this year and when they all came together in the National Under 18 Championships, Willem, set himself apart, clearly the best in the group,” said Sheehan.
“Such a proud moment for parents Dean and Sue.”
Earlier, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said there had been 1000 players nominate for the 2025 draft, clear evidence the AFL was growing the best under 18 talent across Australia.
As well as being presented with a new West Coast Eagles jumper by another former Number 1 Eagles’ pick Harley Reid, Willem Duursma also collected the Allan Aylett Medal to Number 1 Draft Pick, presented by the North Melbourne champion’s daughter Sophie Aylett.
He has been joined at the Eagles by another top basketball player, Cooper Duff-Tyler, who is expected to take over the mantle as their number one ruckman.
Together with Harley Reid, Duff-Tyler and Duursma and the other players drafted early by the West Coast Eagles in recent times, it wouldn’t surprise to see them start their climb up the ladder as early as next season.