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)

Nine key facts at a glance: from his personal details to his draft status and family connections, here is the essential profile.

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.

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.

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”.

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)

Timeline

• 21 June 2007 – Born
• November 2025 – Selected No. 1 by West Coast Eagles (AFL.com.au)
• June 2026 – 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.

Related coverage: Harley Reid’s profile fördjupar bilden av Harley Reid AFL – West Coast Eagles Star Profile.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: The Selwood family story is another example of AFL siblings making an impact.