Last week, Willem Duursma captivated audiences with his performance in a re-imagined dance version of Disney’s “Tangled.” Tomorrow, the young talent from Gippsland could find himself center stage in a different arena, as the West Coast Eagles are expected to select him with the number-one pick in the AFL National Draft.
Duursma, a dual All-Australian teenage athlete, stands on the brink of joining the ranks of his siblings Xavier, Zane, and Yasmin, all of whom have carved out professional AFL careers. Should he be chosen as the top pick, he would not only follow in their footsteps but also make history as the first to transition from the dance stage to the football field in such a dramatic fashion.
The Intersection of Dance and Football
The Duursma family has long been a fixture in the Gippsland community, with Susan Duursma, the family matriarch, running a dance school that has influenced her children’s athletic prowess. “It helps with his spring and his agility,” Susan explained, highlighting the benefits of dance in developing core strength and agility, skills that seamlessly transfer to football.
Willem Duursma, a 193-centimeter athlete, is known for his versatility on the field. “Going up against smaller midfielders, I’ve got to still find a way to move. I’ve got a really good sidestep and I think I could probably say that’s a little bit due to dance,” he noted.
“Since I’ve been about three or four years old, she’s made all of us kids grow up doing dance,” Duursma shared with ABC Gippsland Breakfast.
A Family Tradition of Excellence
Growing up in the Gippsland town of Foster, the Duursma children were encouraged to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, from playing basketball to kicking the footy. This diverse upbringing has contributed to Willem’s well-rounded athletic abilities.
Duursma’s impressive junior career includes repeat All-Australian selections and Vic Country MVP honors at the under-18 level. His performances for Gippsland Power, Vic Country, and the Casey Demons have mirrored the success of his brother Zane, who was selected by North Melbourne with pick four in 2023.
“That’s the beauty of having all that pressure, is you learn to play well under it,” Duursma said, reflecting on the expectations that come with being a potential number-one draft pick.
Looking Ahead to the AFL
With AFL experts predicting that the West Coast Eagles could benefit from a versatile, smooth-moving, AFL-ready player like Duursma, the young athlete is poised to make a significant impact. His mother, Susan, may soon find herself updating the family’s supporter gear to reflect Willem’s new team.
“It’s just a bit tricky when they play each other, but that’s okay … I just pop two scarves on,” Susan remarked, expressing her pride and joy in her children’s achievements.
The Duursma family’s journey from the dance studio to the football field underscores the unique and multifaceted paths that athletes can take to reach the pinnacle of their sports. As Willem Duursma prepares for what could be a life-changing moment at the AFL National Draft, his story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, wherever they may lead.
