Willem Duursma: Age, Family, Injury, and AFL Draft Pick
There’s something about the Duursma name that keeps appearing in AFL draft rooms. At just 17, Willem Duursma was selected No. 1 by the West Coast Eagles in the 2025 AFL Draft, continuing a family tradition that now spans four siblings in the professional game, but his start at the elite level has already been interrupted by an early-season calf injury.
Age: 17 (born 21 June 2007) · Height: 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) · Position: Utility · Club: West Coast Eagles · Draft pick: No. 1 (2025 AFL Draft)
Quick snapshot
- Born 21 June 2007 (West Coast Eagles)
- Height 191 cm (West Coast Eagles)
- Drafted No. 1 in 2025 (7NEWS)
- Exact weight not publicly available
- Nature and severity of calf injury
- Return date from injury
- Whether Duursma has made his AFL debut yet
- Detailed scouting report on his strengths and weaknesses
- Exact nature of the calf injury (strain vs. tear)
- Born 21 June 2007 (AFL.com.au)
- Drafted No. 1 in 2025 AFL Draft (AFL.com.au)
- Early 2026: Calf injury sidelines him (AFL.com.au)
- Recovery and return to West Coast lineup
- Potential debut delayed until mid-2026
Nine key facts at a glance: from his personal details to his draft status and family connections, here is the essential profile.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Willem Duursma |
| Date of birth | 21 June 2007 |
| Place of birth | Australia |
| Height | 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Position | Utility |
| Club | West Coast Eagles |
| Draft pick | No. 1 (2025 AFL Draft) |
| Siblings in AFL/W | Yes (including Xavier Duursma) |
Who is Willem Duursma?
Early life and football background
Willem Duursma grew up in a household where football was always the main topic. He played his junior football with Gippsland Power in the Talent League before catching the eye of AFL recruiters. The West Coast Eagles described him as a “utility” capable of playing both midfield and defence, making him one of the most versatile prospects in the draft pool (West Coast Eagles).
Selection as No. 1 draft pick
On draft night in November 2025, the Eagles called Willem’s name with the first overall selection. 7NEWS reported that he was 18 years old at the time (7NEWS). The AFL posted that “the eagle has landed” after West Coast crowned Duursma the No. 1 pick (official AFL league page).
The implication: West Coast saw Duursma as a future cornerstone – the kind of player you build a midfield around for the next decade.
At 191 cm with a utility skill set, Duursma offers West Coast a rare blend of height and versatility – something that could give the Eagles a structural advantage over smaller midfields in the years ahead.
The implication: West Coast has invested its future in a player whose ceiling is still unknown, but the early returns suggest a smart long-term bet.
Who is Willem Duursma related to?
Siblings also in AFL/W
- Xavier Duursma – older brother who played for Port Adelaide and later Essendon
- Zane Duursma – older brother on an AFL list
- Yasmin Duursma – sister who plays for Carlton in the AFLW (7NEWS)
Parents and family background
Willem’s father is John Duursma, a former player. The Duursma brothers have all followed similar pathways through the Gippsland region. The West Australian noted that Duursma is the fourth sibling in the family to play at the elite level (The West Australian). Other AFL players with football families, like Mitch Georgiades, show similar patterns.
The pattern: The Duursma family’s impact on AFL is growing with each sibling, and Willem’s No. 1 pick status puts the family name in the spotlight like never before.
Where does Willem Duursma come from?
Hometown and upbringing
Willem is from Australia, specifically from the Gippsland region of Victoria. He was recruited from the Gippsland Power program (West Coast Eagles).
Origins of the Duursma surname
The surname Duursma is of Dutch origin. The family’s heritage has been noted in several profiles, linking the football talent to a broader European background.
How old is Willem Duursma?
Physical attributes: height and weight
Willem Duursma was born on 21 June 2007, making him 17 years old at the time of the 2025 draft (West Coast Eagles). He stands 191 cm tall. His weight has not been officially disclosed – a common gap for young draftees transitioning to full-time training.
Playing style and versatility
Listed as a midfielder/defender, Duursma is described by the Eagles as a “utility”. His height and athletic build allow him to play multiple roles across the ground, giving the Eagles flexibility in team selection.
If Duursma adds strength without losing his agility, he could become a prototype of the modern tall midfielder – something West Coast has lacked in recent years.
The catch: At 17, Duursma has time on his side, but the physical demands of AFL football will test his development curve.
What injury did Willem Duursma suffer?
Recent injury update
In June 2026, West Coast announced that Duursma had suffered a calf injury and would miss the Round 14 clash against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium (The West Australian). The injury update placed him on the sidelines alongside teammates Tom McCarthy and Reuben Ginbey.
Impact on playing schedule
Duursma joined the Eagles’ injury list as one of three changes for that round. The timeline for his return was not specified in the update. The West Australian described him as West Coast’s “No.1 draftee”.
A calf injury for a young player is often a minor setback, but for a No. 1 pick trying to establish himself, every week on the sidelines is a missed opportunity to build AFL-level rhythm.
West Coast Eagles injury update: “Duursma (calf) joins Tom McCarthy and Reuben Ginbey on the sidelines for this weekend’s clash.” – The West Australian (news report)
“The eagle has landed. West Coast has crowned Willem Duursma the No.1 pick in the 2025 AFL Draft.” – AFL (official league page)
Confirmed facts
- Birth date: 21 June 2007 (West Coast Eagles)
- Height: 191 cm
- Draft pick: No. 1 in 2025 AFL Draft (7NEWS)
- Club: West Coast Eagles
- Siblings in AFL/W: Yes (Xavier, Zane, Yasmin)
- Recruited from: Gippsland Power
What’s unclear
- Exact weight – not publicly available
- Specific nature of calf injury – not detailed by club
- Return date – no official timeline
- Whether the injury is a strain or more serious
Timeline
- – Born
- – Selected No. 1 by West Coast Eagles (AFL.com.au)
- – Calf injury, ruled out of Round 14 (The West Australian)
The catch: Duursma’s debut season has been interrupted before it truly began – but a minor calf issue rarely derails a career. The real test will be how quickly the 17-year-old adapts to AFL training loads once cleared.
For West Coast, the decision is clear: protect their most valuable draft asset by being patient with his return, even if that means a delayed debut. For Willem, the trade-off is between early exposure and long-term physical readiness.
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Related coverage: Harley Reid’s profile fördjupar bilden av Harley Reid AFL – West Coast Eagles Star Profile.
Frequently asked questions
What school does Willem Duursma attend?
This detail has not been widely reported in the available sources. He completed his junior football at Gippsland Power.
Are Willem Duursma and Xavier Duursma related?
Yes, they are brothers. Xavier is the older sibling who has played for Port Adelaide and Essendon.
How many siblings does Willem Duursma have?
He has at least three siblings in professional football: brothers Xavier and Zane (AFL), and sister Yasmin (AFLW).
What position does Willem Duursma play?
He is listed as a utility, capable of playing midfield or defence.
Is Willem Duursma injured?
Yes, he suffered a calf injury in June 2026 and missed the Round 14 clash against North Melbourne.
When was Willem Duursma drafted?
He was drafted No. 1 in the 2025 AFL Draft, with the selection announced in November 2025.
What is Willem Duursma’s Instagram handle?
His personal social media accounts have not been listed in the verified sources.
How tall is Willem Duursma?
He is 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) tall, as per the West Coast Eagles official draft file.
Related reading: The Selwood family story is another example of AFL siblings making an impact.
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