Player Watch #7: Zane Duursma - staying at North in 2026

[My Left Foote]

My mail is WC so he can he with Willem and Yasmin. Then they're all going to retire and form a band and tour the country.

Hearing it will be a cover band called - The Duurs, playlist includes classics like:
Hello, I Love *
Break On Through (To The AFL Side)
Big Footy Posters Are Strange
Drop Me Two Times

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Hearing it will be a cover band called - The Duurs, playlist includes classics like:
Hello, I Love *
Break On Through (To The AFL Side)
Big Footy Posters Are Strange
Drop Me Two Times

I’ve been down so god damn long it looks up to me

 

[koshari]

Hearing it will be a cover band called - The Duurs, playlist includes classics like:
Hello, I Love *
Break On Through (To The AFL Side)
Big Footy Posters Are Strange
Drop Me Two Times

Pissa..

Any chance of them doing a cover of L A women for liam anthonies missus?

 

[CharlieMortdecai]

Good point.

It's why you also can't dislike any song unless you've personally studied music theory at Julliard.

Not exactly a like for like comparison.

 

[chubbspeterson]

What % of the list should be for potential AFL players where you give 4 or 5 years? We already have Dawson, Goad, Whitlock.. how many more list spots should be used on maybes?

It's a balancing act. You probably don't want too many high talent, low readiness types on the list.
Obviously R1 & R2 players probably get a bit more time than late picks or rookie picks.
Key position guys always get a lot longer to develop as it takes time to build their bodies.
Cats didn't cut Shannon Neale based on VFL footy and a couple of AFL games in his first few years..
Midfielders you can probably see what they are a little earlier than other positions 2 or 3 years in, if not injured.
But when Giants drafted Callaghan, Caruso said they didn't think he'd take off until he was in years 4-6.
If you are going to cut anyone early, it's more likely your perennially injured guys like Goater or BGeorge.
MSD and rookie picks probably won't get as much time given they may be more mature players.
But even some late picks can be a project players that you know will take a bit longer.

 

[Supreme_Chancellor]

I like Duursma

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Pissa..

Any chance of them doing a cover of L A women for liam anthonies missus?

Ship of fools dedicated to the BF brethren and sistren?

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

Needs a defined position across the entire preseason.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

Needs a defined position across the entire preseason.

That Clarko will change about half time in the round 1 game - “Let’s try back pocket and see how that goes BGZ in the 2nd half?”

 

[BrownPaperBag]

That Clarko will change about half time in the round 1 game - “Let’s try back pocket and see how that goes BGZ in the 2nd half?”

I don’t think moving him around is a bad mark on Clarko, he was trying to get Zane involved in the game . We need to be better that allowing one player in the 22 not contributing.

Ideally yes he should have a defined spot and play there but can’t fault Clarko for trying to get some production

 

[FlyHigh18]

I don’t think moving him around is a bad mark on Clarko, he was trying to get Zane involved in the game . We need to be better that allowing one player in the 22 not contributing.

Ideally yes he should have a defined spot and play there but can’t fault Clarko for trying to get some production

Correct, he was so disassociated that we had to move him to other positions to try get him more involved.

Ppl trying to change the narrative as if that was the reason why he’s been so poor.

 

[Chadwiko]

Correct, he was so disassociated that we had to move him to other positions to try get him more involved.

Ppl trying to change the narrative as if that was the reason why he’s been so poor.

Correct. To simplify it;

He wasn't poor because he was moved around.
He was moved around because he was poor.

 

[Chip Scab1]

Correct. To simplify it;

He wasn't poor because he was moved around.
He was moved around because he was poor.

He was moved around because there were scrubbers playing in his position.

Daniels, Konstantys, McDonalds, Simpkins, Stephen.. there's 5 that are taking us nowhere and blocking Zane's rightful passage to the upper echelons of the AFL. If we can't move past scrubbers, we're ****ed. Stephen isn't a scrubber, he's softer than soft and has no business playing in front of a talented kid.

All of them should be out of Zane's way... none of them have Zane's talent, none.

 

[Ura]

He was moved around because there were scrubbers playing in his position.

Daniels, Konstantys, McDonalds, Simpkins, Stephen.. there's 5 that are taking us nowhere and blocking Zane's rightful passage to the upper echelons of the AFL. If we can't move past scrubbers, we're ****ed. Stephen isn't a scrubber, he's softer than soft and has no business playing in front of a talented kid.

All of them should be out of Zane's way... none of them have Zane's talent, none.

I don’t think you watched Zane play at AFL level if you think that. Dyl made big leaps Zane could only dream of getting his numbers. JK and Daniel play different roles than BGZ. LMAC actually defends which doesn’t seem to be a strength of Zane and as for Jy not sure that’s worth even pointing to.

I want Zane to play and believe in his talent. I could see him making a leap to be in our best 23 and a very valuable member but don’t pretend like game time is all he needs. JK came into our side and never once we questioned his intent and role in the side. Trembath came in and in 3 games showed more than Zane showed in 2 years. Not just with his 3 goals a game but more importantly his defensive work. I think worst thing you can do is give games to someone because of where they were drafted.

 

[Themanbun]

He was moved around because there were scrubbers playing in his position.

Daniels, Konstantys, McDonalds, Simpkins, Stephen.. there's 5 that are taking us nowhere and blocking Zane's rightful passage to the upper echelons of the AFL. If we can't move past scrubbers, we're ****ed. Stephen isn't a scrubber, he's softer than soft and has no business playing in front of a talented kid.

All of them should be out of Zane's way... none of them have Zane's talent, none.

All of those players have one thing in common - they are in or are close to AFL condition. Zane's nowhere near it and given his talent I would love him to be so.

 

[King Corey]

I don’t think you watched Zane play at AFL level if you think that. Dyl made big leaps Zane could only dream of getting his numbers. JK and Daniel play different roles than BGZ. LMAC actually defends which doesn’t seem to be a strength of Zane and as for Jy not sure that’s worth even pointing to.

I want Zane to play and believe in his talent. I could see him making a leap to be in our best 23 and a very valuable member but don’t pretend like game time is all he needs. JK came into our side and never once we questioned his intent and role in the side. Trembath came in and in 3 games showed more than Zane showed in 2 years. Not just with his 3 goals a game but more importantly his defensive work. I think worst thing you can do is give games to someone because of where they were drafted.

All of those players have one thing in common - they are in or are close to AFL condition. Zane's nowhere near it and given his talent I would love him to be so.

Yeh a kid with high talent but questionable graft might get gifted a game or 2 to give them a feel and set the expectations for what's required.

After that you'd want them to earn with effort and/or performance.

Not sure Zane has done that yet. And the to and fro about his buy-in will continue until he shows commitment to the club. The noise around him entering trade week didn't just pop up from nowhere.

 

[BrownPaperBag]

He was moved around because there were scrubbers playing in his position.

Daniels, Konstantys, McDonalds, Simpkins, Stephen.. there's 5 that are taking us nowhere and blocking Zane's rightful passage to the upper echelons of the AFL. If we can't move past scrubbers, we're ****ed. Stephen isn't a scrubber, he's softer than soft and has no business playing in front of a talented kid.

All of them should be out of Zane's way... none of them have Zane's talent, none.

I don’t doubt his talent but he absolutely didn’t contribute in any of the games he played and his shifting around was just as much due to that lack of production that any other reason.

Going forward we can’t go into games essentially a player down because they aren’t producing.

If anything we were trying to get something out of him. That’s fine he’s relatively young in this caper but he hasn’t been mismanaged.

It is vital we start to get something out of his talent which is there

 

[Frank Thring]

Zane to kick 30 goals this year

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Zane to kick 30 goals this year

That would be fantastic but that is going to be an almighty improvement in one year not sure it’s realistic

 

[Blightys Barrel]

Think ahead to Rd 1 and playing PAFL. We have all troops fit and ready after a long summer of training.

Carr and his defensive coach come up with a game plan against

CHF: Bull Trembath PC
F: JK Souva Darling

BGZ, Banch, Harvey etc, should be jumping out of their skins to be part of the forward rotations. No reason one of them steps up and become a 20-25 goal kicking pain in the arse for opposition coaches, who were fixated on stopping our brighter lights.

 

[Chadwiko]

He was moved around because there were scrubbers playing in his position.

Then you should be concerned that he was incapable of outplaying those "scrubbers".

Because it wasn't for lack of opportunity.

 

[Ura]

Then you should be concerned that he was incapable of outplaying those "scrubbers".

Because it wasn't for lack of opportunity.

I would argue for Zane over the last 2 years he has been given more opportunities at senior level than he has deserved. He clearly has the talent but where a Harvey was in reserves kicking bags every week for 6+ weeks until debut Zane never had that run of form at VFL in my opinion.

 

[FlyHigh18]

Zane to kick 30 goals this year

a bit unfair setting that expectation ... let's just start with 1 tackle and 6 dsp per game for his third year and see how he goes

 

[Ichiro #51]

Yep, he was still only a “moments” player at VFL level, let alone in the seniors.

I personally would set my expectations to begin the year at him consistently playing good footy in the VFL over say a couple of months in one position.

I think it’s sink or swim time, and that has to be as a 3rd tall. Clarko has already touted him as a Gunston style player, so play him there ffs. Dude needs to learn his craft.

 

[Chip Scab1]

All of those players have one thing in common - they are in or are close to AFL condition. Zane's nowhere near it and given his talent I would love him to be so.

Agree to an extent, just how many of those other blokes have had injuries that Zane has copped in last 24 months? When you're a skinnyish kid, tallish, and add injuries into the mix, it's of no surprise (to anyone with a brain) his work rate is a bit down on the required.

Again, what's the hurry, we're still bottom 4 and shit house! I would think if he gets a decent run at it, he'll be fine! Not everyone is Harry Sheezel, the one bloke who's already wealthier than all his teammates combined, is also the hardest worker and most disciplined. Go figure.

I've said it before, but let us hope Zane gets a run at it so he can prove his worth (not to some of you as you're convinced we're gonna improve with the incumbent turnips), we actually need Zane to be real good and a POD up forward.

Then you should be concerned that he was incapable of outplaying those "scrubbers".

Because it wasn't for lack of opportunity.

I disregard all that you say, mate. All. Obviously if you had something of value: ie a stock or Horse tip, I'd wilt. But let's be real here; you're happy to murder a zillion bees but won't eat a Chicken or a Cow or a Fish/Crustacean. Mmmm.

We won't even comment on your other misgivings.

I've said it before you're a good man, just a typical ABC/BBC man (Like my Dad to be honest). LOL. You no doubt bought that footage they admitted to doctoring.

Keep fluffing your turnips though, you're one of the best at it.

BGZ for the unread.

Dislocated Shoulder 2024 (still kicked 9 in 13 games in year 1)
Quad prior to Round 1 2025
Re-injured shoulder in 2025 was loose for remainder of year.

Kicked 9 in 13 versus JK 11 in 25, despite being 3 years younger than JK. Perhaps you need to have a think of what you classify as better. Sure JK runs hard and tries, but his kicking is the pits. It's all for nothing. He's too small to tackle the bigger exiting defenders he attempts to tackle, too.

His output is literally not helping us one iota. As hard as he tries.