West Coast Eagles Crown Willem Duursma as No. 1 AFL Draft Pick
Perth, WA – November 19, 2025 – In a pivotal moment for their rebuild, the West Coast Eagles have officially selected Willem Duursma with the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2025 Telstra AFL National Draft. The announcement, made at Marvel Stadium, confirms widespread speculation and marks a significant investment in the club’s future. Willem Duursma AFL brings elite athleticism, versatility, and a proven track record of high-level performance to the Eagles.
Willem Duursma AFL: A Defining Moment for the Eagles
Having finished at the bottom of the ladder in the 2025 season, the West Coast Eagles entered the draft with the crucial first two selections, tasked with a significant task of regeneration. The decision to select Willem Duursma first overall, a key 2025 AFL Draft prospect, underscores the club’s belief in his potential to become a cornerstone player. This news comes as the Eagles aim to fast-track their rebuild with a strong influx of young talent. Duursma was informed earlier on Wednesday afternoon by coach Andrew McQualter and head recruiter Duane Massey that he would be the first name called, a revelation that allowed him to approach the draft night with a sense of calm and preparedness. “It’s pretty special to finally happen. It’s something you dream about all your whole life,” Duursma stated shortly after being drafted. The Willem Duursma pick is a major talking point for the AFL Draft 2025.
Willem Duursma AFL: The Versatile Prospect
Standing at 191cm, Willem Duursma has consistently been a name linked to the No. 1 selection throughout the 2025 season. His game is characterized by exceptional athleticism, a strong aerial presence, and the versatility to impact games across multiple lines. Originally emerging as a potent defender and wingman, Willem Duursma has developed his midfield craft significantly, demonstrating an ability to win contested possessions and break lines with his clean ball use and powerful running. His strong performances at the elite junior level include MVP honours for Vic Country and All-Australian selection at both the Under-16 and Under-18 National Championships. He also earned a VFL debut with the Casey Demons and captained the Coates Talent League Team of the Year, finishing runner-up in the Morrish Medal. Duursma’s unique blend of skills, honed partly through a basketball background, makes him a compelling prospect ready to make an immediate impact at the AFL level. This versatile AFL player is set to impress.
Family Legacy and Future Connections
Willem Duursma enters the AFL system as the latest member of a prominent football family. He follows in the footsteps of his older siblings: Xavier, drafted by Essendon; Zane, selected by North Melbourne; and sister Yasmin, who plays in the AFLW for Carlton. His selection continues a remarkable lineage of Duursma talent reaching the elite level. On draft night, Duursma was presented with his West Coast Eagles jumper by fellow No. 1 draft pick and rising star, Harley Reid, who was selected by the Eagles in 2023. The club also secured Cooper Duff-Tytler with pick number four overall, adding another versatile key-position player to their young core and forming an anticipated top-two draft haul for the Eagles. This young AFL talent will bolster the West Coast Eagles recruit pool.
Historical Significance and Rebuild Impact
Duursma becomes the fourth player in West Coast Eagles history to be selected with the No. 1 pick, joining Drew Banfield (1992), Michael Gardiner (1996), and Harley Reid (2023). This selection is particularly significant for a club embarking on a substantial AFL rebuild. With the first two selections, the Eagles aimed to address key needs and infuse the list with high-potential talent. Duursma’s ability to play multiple roles provides immediate flexibility, while his long-term upside as a midfielder and defender aligns with the club’s strategic vision. The West Coast Eagles are committed to developing their young talent, and Willem Duursma’s arrival is a clear statement of intent as they aim to climb the ladder in the coming seasons.
A New Era Dawns in the West
As the 2025 AFL Draft unfolds, the selection of Willem Duursma at pick No. 1 by the West Coast Eagles signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter. His blend of athleticism, skill, and family pedigree positions him as a player poised to make a significant mark on the competition. With the support of the club and his fellow draftees, Duursma is ready to embrace the challenge and contribute to the Eagles’ ascent. This news is a major development in the ongoing AFL season, marking a key moment for the West Coast Eagles and their supporters. This is the latest news from the West Coast camp regarding the Willem Duursma AFL prospect.
