Player Watch #7: Zane Duursma

[Chip Scab1]

Cool

It would better for you (and the other non-believers) if you just came out and said something like "Zane's a talentless squib who we should Trade".

At least you'd be stating your case. If that's what you believe, that's ok.

 

[DuckYeah]

If you're going that way I'd at least look for blokes who look like they add some character to the place like Tommy Campbell or Brynn T.

Instead we targeted a flakey bloke who probably joined the club to reunite with his WA U18 mates and be mentored off-field by Curtis Taylor.

I like Tess Teakle. I thought on many occasions he showed how to play. He was just burned constantly. I’d have kept Tess, but thats me.

 

[DuckYeah]

King Corey ive had the opinion if we are gonna be shit, may aswell look for diamonds in the rough and have a nudge rather than pay overs for duds.

The minimum TPP is a burden and counter productive to bottom sides. Shouldn’t be forced to pay it

 

[The Dingrel]

I just think back to the expectations back around the Laidley / early Scott era - there was no expectation that kids would have to come in and be guns from 10 games in and their first year on a list. They're still very young, they can still come in, hit their straps after 3-4 years and have significant careers. We don't need to hold onto every player forever, there needs to be obvious development and yes we definitely will give more leeway to a 200cm athletic freak over a 180cm small forward but I just think we gave players like Andrew Swallow time and they still become strong clubmen who had significant careers. Based on the games of experience we shed last year we have in theory hit the bottom of that churn cycle and all going well we will have more and more players over the next 4-5 years that can't and shouldn't get a game until a few years into their careers.

I agree with you but its not quite comparing apples with apples. We didn't access the top end of the draft in those years. Generally speaking, top end draft talent (kpp aside) particularly top 5 draft talent are ready to go. Combination of their talent and physical development, but also going to lowly ranked clubs gives them opportunities. So I don't think its an unreasonable expectation for high draft picks to come in and be regular AFL players the way Sheez, Fos, McKercher, Wardlaw have. I honestly didn't have the expectation of Zane due to his physical make up, he has played about as many AFL games as I would have expected. And his physical development was there for everyone to see and I doubt any club thought he was physically AFL ready, but none would deny he was worth a high draft pick given his talent. Interesting comparison, Zane has played 23 AFL senior games in 2 seasons. LDU played 30 in his first 3 seasons. Both impacted by injury. I just think everyone, including Zane himself just need to be patient, head down bum up, do the work, and the results will follow. Hopefully has his body right and we start to see his quality in 2026.

 

[Topparoo]

For whatever reasons, to this point Zane has under performed. Is it attitude, fitness, injury concerns? I suspect it's possibly a combination of all three. I don't know as I am not privy to inside information regarding zane. Time will tell whether or not he will make it as a North Melbourne footballer. It is a big year for him, Yr 3, he needs to show more this year than he has to this point in his career.

 

[Frank Thring]

King Corey ive had the opinion if we are gonna be shit, may aswell look for diamonds in the rough and have a nudge rather than pay overs for duds.

The minimum TPP is a burden and counter productive to bottom sides. Shouldn’t be forced to pay it

Should only be a maximum

 

[DuckYeah]

Should only be a maximum

Yes, and then you would find quality players looking for a big pay day. I think landing an A grade player would be easier if the rules allowed it..

However I did find out that Butters was offered a huge property and a fat contract if he joins geelong

 

[Frank Thring]

Yes, and then you would find quality players looking for a big pay day. I think landing an A grade player would be easier if the rules allowed it..

However I did find out that Butters was offered a huge property and a fat contract if he joins geelong

Nothing to see Cats

 

[marklovesbeer]

Yes, and then you would find quality players looking for a big pay day. I think landing an A grade player would be easier if the rules allowed it..

However I did find out that Butters was offered a huge property and a fat contract if he joins geelong

Christ, this stuff infuriates me.
How are we meant to compete with that?!
We can’t even offer them a car park.

 

[DuckYeah]

Christ, this stuff infuriates me.
How are we meant to compete with that?!
We can’t even offer them a car park.

I think he turned them down and its dogs v hawks

 

[zoomba23]

It would better for you (and the other non-believers) if you just came out and said something like "Zane's a talentless squib who we should Trade".

At least you'd be stating your case. If that's what you believe, that's ok.

The problem with this is, no one believes he's a talentless squib. He moves a bit like TT did, with maybe 10% of the oozed class shaved off. He has good goal sense and is reasonable above his head for his height. That's the starter pack. We all need him to find the complementary ethic. Trying to claim disingenuity amongst people critical of him is in itself disingenuous

 

[zoomba23]

Yes, and then you would find quality players looking for a big pay day. I think landing an A grade player would be easier if the rules allowed it..

However I did find out that Butters was offered a huge property and a fat contract if he joins geelong

How'd you find this out? Surely this counts as a rort of some description

 

[DesertRoo]

King Corey ive had the opinion if we are gonna be shit, may aswell look for diamonds in the rough and have a nudge rather than pay overs for duds.

The minimum TPP is a burden and counter productive to bottom sides. Shouldn’t be forced to pay it

Size of lists also should come into question, why shouldn’t the bottom teams be allowed larger lists, to offset the minimum tpp.
Would make sense to be able to have a bunch of bites at the cherry, weeding out those that can’t, before rising up the ladder.

 

[FlyHigh18]

You can make that call after the injuries he has had? Before he reaches 21? Wow, your crystal ball should be in a museum.

There are maybe 1-2 other non white dudes who can do what he can do. You call it whatever you want, I call it talent.

How many people could do that in North's History?

Let's go through them...

1. Winston Abraham
2. John McCarthy
3: Fruity Allison

There's 3 in 35 years.

Incredible how you’re still in denial and making excuses even after the club gave him a kick up the arse about his intent and even after his dad had to make comment about how shit he’s been to date.

 

[RooInNorthLondon]

Thread condenser: Zane hasn’t truly earned a spot in the 23 yet. Is he talented enough to become one of the first names on the team sheet? Yes, absolutely. Does he want it enough? Opinions vary but he certainly needs to be healthier and fitter. Will he finally step up? I think we’d all like it but only a few expect it; a few others have given up all hope.

 

[Chip Scab1]

Question being the key word. People are allowed to question.

If you think this is questioning, wtaf aren't you questioning genuine frauds like Simpkin?

You support a bloke who wants out (whilst being paid double his worth and Skipper) yet pick 4 in a super draft who's been constantly injured, you're (not alone either) hard on.

Yeah mate, call it what you want. But you hate him, like I hate Jy or Gibbo before him. It's actually an illness to hang shit on an Omni-injured talented kid, yet support (wholeheartedly) an over-paid Essendon Cheer Squad member, masquerading as our skipper. It's nonsensical, mate.

Ohh he won a few Best Clubman's, so ****ing what. He's a shitful crab, both as a player and leader. The sooner we **** that fraud off, the better. Fancy people thinking that short, shit, slow scrubber can be a wingman.

 

[DuckYeah]

How'd you find this out? Surely this counts as a rort of some description

Its just a guess because every campaigner thinks I make shit up.

 

[chubbspeterson]

I agree with you but its not quite comparing apples with apples. We didn't access the top end of the draft in those years. Generally speaking, top end draft talent (kpp aside) particularly top 5 draft talent are ready to go. Combination of their talent and physical development, but also going to lowly ranked clubs gives them opportunities. So I don't think its an unreasonable expectation for high draft picks to come in and be regular AFL players the way Sheez, Fos, McKercher, Wardlaw have. I honestly didn't have the expectation of Zane due to his physical make up, he has played about as many AFL games as I would have expected. And his physical development was there for everyone to see and I doubt any club thought he was physically AFL ready, but none would deny he was worth a high draft pick given his talent. Interesting comparison, Zane has played 23 AFL senior games in 2 seasons. LDU played 30 in his first 3 seasons. Both impacted by injury. I just think everyone, including Zane himself just need to be patient, head down bum up, do the work, and the results will follow. Hopefully has his body right and we start to see his quality in 2026.

Hansen and Wells were high picks. I feel like they given a bit more time and patience to develop, despite concerns with laconic Lachie, it was more an understanding that big fellas take time to develop.

 

[DuckYeah]

Hansen and Wells were high picks. I feel like they given a bit more time and patience to develop, despite concerns with laconic Lachie, it was more an understanding that big fellas take time to develop.

Lol Wellsy kicked one of the best goals at the G the club has ever seen as an under 20 year old.

I also watched BGZ laser a 50m pass running head height onto the tit of a leading forward in the 150 year game vs the dogs.. He hasn’t only just taken A monster grab, he has shown the campaigner can do it but there are cabbages at the team that dont belong.

Jy, Zurhaar, Darling

BGZ has them all covered, can impact if he is given opportunities in his preferred position. He has not been given opportunities and anyone that thinks 12 minutes high half forward wing whilst we are getting shat on is an opportunity you are cooked.

The campaigners a jet

 

[Chip Scab1]

The problem with this is, no one believes he's a talentless squib. He moves a bit like TT did, with maybe 10% of the oozed class shaved off. He has good goal sense and is reasonable above his head for his height. That's the starter pack. We all need him to find the complementary ethic. Trying to claim disingenuity amongst people critical of him is in itself disingenuous

Good point, acknowledged. But, and it's a big but, it's typical Norf to hang shit on a talented player yet welcome with open arms our Turncoat caravan of a skipper, it's nonsense, needs to be called out. Happy to do it.

I'm not a positive supporter, it's new to me, but I'm just sick of backing in crabs like Simpkin, Gibson, Swallow, Petrie etc who were/are never taking us to the promised land... never. We need to change, supporting and being patient for the talented kids is what we need to do imo.

Blokes who can change our stars, who actually move the needle.

 

[DuckYeah]

The problem with this is, no one believes he's a talentless squib. He moves a bit like TT did, with maybe 10% of the oozed class shaved off. He has good goal sense and is reasonable above his head for his height. That's the starter pack. We all need him to find the complementary ethic. Trying to claim disingenuity amongst people critical of him is in itself disingenuous

I love players that can hit low driven passes and kick goals off one step from 50. Thats getting it done. He just needs cabbages in the team to **** off. He doesn’t feel wanted and the kangas think they’re better off with Zurhaar and Darling over him. Funny because i’d kick both of them to the VFL for Zane

 

[zoomba23]

Good point, acknowledged. But, and it's a big but, it's typical Norf to hang shit on a talented player yet welcome with open arms our Turncoat caravan of a skipper, it's nonsense, needs to be called out. Happy to do it.

I'm not a positive supporter, it's new to me, but I'm just sick of backing in crabs like Simpkin, Gibson, Swallow, Petrie etc who were/are never taking us to the promised land... never. We need to change, supporting and being patient for the talented kids is what we need to do imo.

Blokes who can change our stars, who actually move the needle.

I'm guilty of welcoming Simpkin back, and he put a bit of egg on my face when he went overseas again. There might technically be nothing wrong with it but I dunno, after that whole shemozzle, wouldn't you keep a low profile?

Anyhoo, my point boils down to the fact that Simpkin looks like he gives far more of a shit than Duursma on the field. That's pretty much all Duursma needs to change, but of course the stories of enigmatic talents who take things easy/get distracted easily are varied and many. Even though I'm critical of him, I'll be extremely disappointed if he ends up at Essendon, and make no mistake, they're the main potential saboteurs

 

[chubbspeterson]

Lol Wellsy kicked one of the best goals at the G the club has ever seen as an under 20 year old.

I also watched BGZ laser a 50m pass running head height onto the tit of a leading forward in the 150 year game vs the dogs.. He hasn’t only just taken A monster grab, he has shown the campaigner can do it but there are cabbages at the team that dont belong.

Jy, Zurhaar, Darling

BGZ has them all covered, can impact if he is given opportunities in his preferred position. He has not been given opportunities and anyone that thinks 12 minutes high half forward wing whilst we are getting shat on is an opportunity you are cooked.

The campaigners a jet

Sure. The raw talent was there with Wellsy, but still had some things to learn at the next level, like all players do.
Lachie didn't show much early, but don't remember fans wanting him traded after a two years, despite looking miles off the level of intensity required. His mistakes were punished and he learn some harsh lessons, but figured it out in time.

I rate Zane and want to see him fitter, stronger and performing like he is capable of.
It's on the coaches to put him in a spot to utilise his strengths and it's on Zane to deliver his end of it.

 

[Chip Scab1]

I love players that can hit low driven passes and kick goals off one step from 50. Thats getting it done. He just needs cabbages in the team to **** off. He doesn’t feel wanted and the kangas think they’re better off with Zurhaar and Darling over him. Funny because i’d kick both of them to the VFL for Zane

Word.

I'm guilty of welcoming Simpkin back, and he put a bit of egg on my face when he went overseas again. There might technically be nothing wrong with it but I dunno, after that whole shemozzle, wouldn't you keep a low profile?

Anyhoo, my point boils down to the fact that Simpkin looks like he gives far more of a shit than Duursma on the field. That's pretty much all Duursma needs to change, but of course the stories of enigmatic talents who take things easy/get distracted easily are varied and many. Even though I'm critical of him, I'll be extremely disappointed if he ends up at Essendon, and make no mistake, they're the main potential saboteurs

They'll pay overs to bring one of their favourite sons back to Tulla. It'll only be a short Uber from training to the Qantas Lounge. He'll be fine.

We'll take our 2027 R2 and move on.

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

Where do these types fit into modern teams really?
There’s not many getting games and the guys with Zane’s body type are elite runners that get up the wings and/or play wing. Any other medium forwards playing are elite power beasts like Rayner, Humphrey, Lalor, Stringer.

Of the teams that played finals - who has a player remotely similar to Zane in a medium forwards role?
Hawks had none. drafted Nairn who is an elite runner and will aim to play wing or mid long term.
Adelaide had none.
Gold Coast had none.
Freo had none.
Brisbane had ah chee, who pinch hit on the wing.
Geelong played Martin, who didn’t shoot the lights out, while Henry got dropped.
Collingwood doesn’t have anyone like him other than Hoskin-Elliott who didn’t play this year.

The only player I can think of in recent memory who has impacted winning was Fritsch who played as a full forward really for a team with bugger all key forwards.

Zane can play footy, he has the talent as we’ve all said. But you can’t just play a guy like Zane unless he has made enough gains in the areas he lacks.

If he’s a half forward, he doesn’t apply enough pressure.
If he’s a wingman, he’s not a good enough runner.
If he’s an inside mid, his craft isn’t there yet and he’s not strong enough - while the other two weaknesses still apply.

In the long term, you’d hope he becomes a mid in the Heeney or Fyfe mould who is aerially dominant and rushes forward to create mismatches. But he will need hard work and about 4 preseasons before that happens, which is why the trade talk can be frustrating, he needs time and we need to be able to give it to him without the worry of playing him for the sake of it.

In the short term, I’m not sure what the plan is or if he can contribute to winning footy games right now, because he hasn’t yet, and there’s no reason to suggest he would. Either we build up his midfield game now in the 2s (in my opinion) or pigeonhole him into the forward line in the 1s where he won’t contribute to winning and add to the unbalanced forward line as is, where he’ll probably kick some goals but offer nothing the other way.