The Australian Football League draft is set to witness a remarkable family dynasty reach its pinnacle this week as Willem Duursma, a tap-dancing teenager from country Victoria, prepares to outshine his already accomplished siblings by becoming the number one selection.
A Family Affair in Professional Footy
On Wednesday night, Willem Duursma will officially join his three siblings in football's big league, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The youngest of four children, Willem has been a spectator at three previous draft journeys for his brothers and sister. Now, he's not only following in their footsteps but is expected to secure ultimate bragging rights by being selected highest among them all.
His eldest sibling Xavier, now 25, was picked at number 18 by Port Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Essendon late last year. Brother Zane just completed his second season at North Melbourne after being taken with pick number 4 in 2023, while sister Jasmin was originally selected by Port Adelaide with pick number 45 in 2022 before joining Carlton. Willem is projected to trump them all, with West Coast's prized number one selection looming large.
From Country Town to National Spotlight
The boy from Gippsland has already achieved rockstar status in his hometown of Foster, located two hours east of Melbourne, where approximately 1,600 residents proudly watch his journey unfold. Locals regularly call out encouragement when they spot Willem walking down the main street of the tight-knit community.
"Ever since I've really picked up a footy, I've just waited for this moment trying to get drafted and then, yeah, it's finally here," Willem told 7NEWS. "Whether it's West Coast, whether it's anywhere else, like, it'd be unreal to go there."
He particularly values the support from his country roots, noting: "A special part of these country towns that not many people might see is that they care about you, not what you do up in the big smoke and stuff."
The Secret Weapon: Ballet and Tap Dancing
While Willem has made his name on the football field with Gippsland Power, he maintains another passion that has unexpectedly complemented his athletic development. The 193cm talent still performs with his mother Susie's dance academy, having taught ballet and tap on Tuesday nights throughout this year and performing three shows just this week.
"It's definitely helped, you know, especially being 193cm, so obviously you've got to be able to move well," he admitted. "Otherwise, you know, you get found out going up against smaller mids. But I think that it's definitely helped. I think that as much as I hate to say it, and (mum) claims it."
His mother firmly believes the dancing has provided him with "strong core, aerial ability, agility, quick feet" – attributes that have drawn comparisons to former St Kilda and Essendon champion Brendon Goddard when playing at halfback. Willem has since moved into the midfield and models his game after Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli.
"I think that taller midfielder with good movement ... to get anywhere near that level would be unreal," he said of the Bontempelli comparison.
The Duursma family will celebrate this milestone with their local community, as the Foster Tigers club hosts a draft party on Wednesday night. Emotions are expected to run high, particularly for mother Susie. "I know there'll be tears from mum, but look, it is exciting," father Dean acknowledged, capturing the family's anticipation for this life-changing moment.
