As the 2025 AFL draft approaches, the Duursma family from Foster is preparing for their fourth member to enter the AFWL/AFL. Willem Duursma, a top contender for the No. 1 draft pick, awaits the decision of whether he'll join a Victorian team or one from another state.
Obviously, you’d surmise the Duursmas must have some magic formula that has propelled, Xavier (110 AFL games in total with Port Adelaide and now with Essendon), Yasmine (Drafted by Port Adelaide and now plays for Carlton), Zane (23 AFL games with North Melbourne) and now Willem into elite Aussie Rules Footy!
Maybe it could be the fact that all four have been attending their mother Susie’s dance school since they were 2? It is where she says they “built core strength, footwork and agility” and discipline as well! (Willem still teaches at the school one day a week.)
Or is it the whole family’s commitment to fitness, rain, hail, fog or shine (not unusual weather for the Foster hills)… or the lack of internet or mobile phone coverage as a distraction for teenagers from outdoor activities?
Perhaps it’s just an absolute love of the game and the Foster Tigers, running boundary and acting as water boys before they were even in double figures?
Or a family commitment to “local footy” which sees them all returning when their busy footy schedules allow, to support the club and perhaps serving at the BBQ or helping a school mate with a teaching assignment.
Or maybe it is the extraordinary support of family and friends that enabled mum and dad Dean to juggle a 24/7 schedule to allow all four of the Duursma kids to attend the intense training and competition requirements across the region and state and maintain their regular day to day commitments.
Or of course the Duursma’s may have just won the genetic lottery… after all, their mum, Susie Green has always loved running, as well as dance, and dad Dean and uncle Jamie both played in the VFL.
But it is most probably a combination of all of the above!
Whatever the key ingredients: what an achievement! Congratulations to team Duursma. Kaye Rodden
