Top AFL draft prospect Willem Duursma tossing up between basketball and football
One of 2025’s top AFL draft prospects hasn’t made his mind up between promising football and basketball careers, but his AFLW star of a sister said their dad has a strong preference.
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One of the top AFL draft prospects for 2025 is weighing up whether to pursue a career in football or basketball.
Willem Duursma — the younger brother of Essendon wingman Xavier, Carlton AFLW midfielder Yasmin and North Melbourne draftee Zane — has shown signs that he could be the best footballer in his talented sporting family.
Willem, who turned 16 in June, featured in six games for Gippsland Power’s under-18 side in the Coates Talent League this year.
Measuring 192cm and said to be “still growing”, he played primarily in defence for the Power and averaged 13.2 disposals, 4.5 marks and 3.7 rebound 50s.
In July, Willem was named at fullback in the under-16 All-Australian team following a dominant national championships campaign with Vic Country.
However, he is also making waves in his other sport of basketball.
Playing for Gippsland United, Willem was a top-five leading scorer in the Victorian Junior Basketball League’s U18 VC Championship competition for the 2022-23 season.
He shot 183 points across 11 games in that competition.
“He’s playing football, but he also loves his basketball,” Willem’s sister Yasmin said on SEN radio.
“So he’s in the middle of making a decision on which way to go – whether he wants to follow his basketball or play football. But I think dad’s gunning for the footy career.”
Asked which of her three brothers would have the best football career, Yasmin said it could well be Willem.
“Zane’s a pretty incredible player. He’s got a bit of X-Factor about him,” she said.
“But I hope Willem comes through and has the best career because he’s a special little one.”
In addition to starring in the backline in the talent pathways this year, Willem also kicked 23 goals across seven senior games for his local club Foster in the Mid Gippsland Football League.
Willem was selected as a bottom-age player in the Vic Country summer training squad ahead of next year’s AFL under-18 national championships.
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