AFL Draft: Potential No.1 pick Willem Duursma kicks sealer in Gippsland Power’s thrilling quarter-final win over Geelong Falcons
One of the top prospects in the 2025 draft has produced another sensational showing to help his side to a comeback win over the Geelong Falcons. And there were plenty of other talents who pressed their claims.
Two goals in a minute has seen Gippsland Power pip Geelong Falcons at the death in a windswept and thrilling quarter-final clash at Shepley Oval, with potential No.1 pick Willem Duursma slotting the sealer in another eye-catching display.
The Falcons stole victory in the dying seconds last week over the Bendigo Pioneers, but came out on the wrong side of the result in the Power’s eight-point win despite a gallant final quarter against a strong breeze.
Gippsland trailed by one point with two and a half minutes to go before Zach O’Keefe snapped through a ripping goal on the left with the wind to give the Power the lead.
Power midfielder Brodie Atkins won a high free kick in the middle of the ground and booted it long, with potential No.1 pick Willem Duursma smartly waiting at the back of the pack and paddling to himself before putting it through with a minute to play.
The Falcons looked like they may stave off the Power after over-age key forward ruck Dan Lowther slotted a rare goal against the breeze to put them 12 points in front.
But from there quick forward Keenan Boi ran onto a goal out the back before O’Keefe and Duursma finished the job.
Tempers flared between after the halftime with bottom-age key forward Wil Malady nearly having his jumper ripped off in a heated brawl that went for more than a minute, which was eventually broken up by the emergency umpire who sprinted onto the field.
Lowther was one of the Falcons’ best with a goal, 24 disposals, and some strong marks around the ground, but his ruck opponent Jonah Walker put in a stunning performance in front of recruiters.
Walker, who did not receive a state combine invite, launched two remarkable goals with the wind, one of those from beyond 60 metres, and showcased his exceptional athleticism both at ruck contests and in the air with several big leaps.
Duursma, the youngest sibling of Essendon’s Xavier, North Melbourne’s Zane and Carlton’s Yasmin, continued his strong finish to the season as he finished with two goals - the other a crafty snap in congestion in the second term - with his overhead marking and footy smarts also impressing.
Possible top-10 talent Josh Lindsay spent time on a wing and had a few turnovers, but showed his class on several occasions.
Adelaide father-son prospect Mitch Stevens (son of Mark) had a few promising moments defensively with his tackling and intercepting, while Geelong NGA prospect Jesse Mellor (two goals) kicked a cracking goal from tight on the boundary and gave the Falcons spark in the midfield.
Power captain Tom Matthews applied strong defensive pressure and slotted a great goal in the pocket in the second term, while Falcons small forward Tom Handley got the Falcons off to a great start with two snap goals in the first quarter.
Bottom-age players Marlon Neocleous, who played mostly off halfback for the Power, and Falcon Darcy Harrington also caught the eye for the two sides.
Originally published as AFL Draft: Potential No.1 pick Willem Duursma kicks sealer in Gippsland Power’s thrilling quarter-final win over Geelong Falcons
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