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

[The Talent Scout]

"When we start winning games." I love hearing that from NM fans. It's like it's definitely gonna happen. And it probably will. One day. But it's more a matter of when? Next year? Next decade? Next century?

Yep, I'm voting for the 2nd option as well. It's time we escaped the cellar that we accidentally locked ourselves in.

I didn't get suspended but have been in rebuilding mode since May of last year. As for the car, it would have needed a new drivers side door and front qtr panel. Which is fair enough as the fecker car doored me. Then he rang his girlfriend and complained that he "just wanted a coffee". This was while I was laying on the road waiting for the ambulance. The look of contempt one of the people helping me gave him was beyond withering.

On the downside, I broke my back and injured my left shoulder. Instinctively turned side-on just before contact which probably saved myself from more dangerous injuries to my throat etc. Had shoulder surgery this June which apparently went well but then successfully picked up Frozen Shoulder a few weeks later. Wasn't much fun having 2-5 hours sleep per night. Then went back in for Shoulder Hydrodilatation and Manipulation. Post match report featured the surgeon saying "your shoulder is incredibly tight" 3 times in a row. Got the impression he was trying to tell me something. Probably going back in for another go with the Shoulder Hydrodilatation. Back has healed ok.

I don't normally share this much of my personal my life on here. Will resume my usual laconic, pragmatic-optimistic posting style after this.

Get well Gumble Frankieton, from not only me but I'm sure all north posters, hell, you've been through the wringer, much thought goes into getting better and then start watching our boys as they show what they can really do, not 2027 or 2028, next year will be the year from everything I've witnessed in the last six years, yes I know some have & will say this never gets old, but I truly believe with the close losses and improved play despite losing & the emergence of three or four youngsters who are not to far away, 2026, is going to be just the start of something special, trust me!

Ran into your surgeon the other day and when he told me about your operation he did this.

 

[The Talent Scout]

We can be robbed of anything which I determine suits my argument lol

You're correct (obviously) but we beat both teams this year and were marginally older. Still had a full bevy of 1st and 2nd Rounders/best 22-types unavailable for most of the year.

I'll say it again.

We have more up our sleeves than both these teams. They will draft ok this year, we don't even need to draft to have more upside than both these clubs in 2026 and beyond with those already on our list.

Archer
Goater
WDawson
MWhitlock
Goodness Goad
Braydos Jorge
...
Trembath (3 games)
...
~23
~24
~42
....
McCartney?
Harris
Devine
Marsden
Deng
Auber

There's 6 before we've drafted or traded for anything other the SOP Spargo.

Get around us, we're stacked.
Stacked I tell you. I'm already pitching a tent at VFL Park in the queue for 2027-2035 GF tickets.

I have played golf with the Coach before so I know what I'm talking about. Yes it was 1998 at Brighton Public, but that doesn't matter - he remembered me because it was my old man who looked after him during those frightening concussions in the 80s.

You'll soon get it.

I love your outlook on our footy Chip Scab1, its one thing to every year say the same thing but like me you can see what is coming. Some may say about our youngsters who haven't played a game or only a couple of games that what if they don't make it or they have had a few injuries so they are virtually no chance or very, very small chance of making it. Those youngsters I believe will not only make it but show glimpses of their ability, they of course wont be fully ready but the glimpses will prove to many of our supporters that this is finally starting to take shape.

 

[scottywiper]

I love your outlook on our footy Chip Scab1, its one thing to every year say the same thing but like me you can see what is coming. Some may say about our youngsters who haven't played a game or only a couple of games that what if they don't make it or they have had a few injuries so they are virtually no chance or very, very small chance of making it. Those youngsters I believe will not only make it but show glimpses of their ability, they of course wont be fully ready but the glimpses will prove to many of our supporters that this is finally starting to take shape.

How those fairies at the bottom of the garden going? Lol

 

[Chip Scab1]

Yeah, Paco, that must be it. Filthy shit apparently. They only sell it locally yeah?

I thought the local crews dealt with the Venezuelans?

Edit- I meant the violent Venezuelans

Argentina & Colombia 100%, there's some other shit too, huesca (I think)? That's pretty nasty apparently.

Yeah the locals do sort them out, but there's so many. They tend to stick in the good areas cos if they venture too far off track, they're not coming back.

How those fairies at the bottom of the garden going? Lol

Here's one of the great North suppprters that are almost done - on cue! lol

 

[Blightys Barrel]

I read somewhere that Zane has engaged a personal trainer and is committed to cementing his position in 2026. Has limitless talent and with his shoulder injuries behind him can improve his tank and output.
Surely has a future as a winger or lead up half forward.

Zane needs to take a leaf out of Rocky Balboa’s training regime from Rocky 4. Pretend all his critics are Ivan Drago. Head off to Russia with Paulie and run up and down the Ural Mountains in the snow with just a singlet on.

It worked for Rocky as he went on and defeated Drago in the big fight. He also won over the Russian Crowd (aka many BF campaigners on this forum ) and they were chanting his name at the end “Rokkee, Rokkee”. I see similar visions at Marvel next year when Zane dominates and the crowd will chant “BGZee, BGZee, BGZee”.

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Zane needs to take a leaf out of Rocky Balboa’s training regime from Rocky 4. Pretend all his critics are Ivan Drago. Head off to Russia with Paulie and run up and down the Ural Mountains in the snow with just a singlet on.

It worked for Rocky as he went on and defeated Drago in the big fight. He also won over the Russian Crowd (aka many BF campaigners on this forum ) and they were chanting his name at the end “Rokkee, Rokkee”. I see similar visions at Marvel next year when Zane dominates and the crowd will chant “BGZee, BGZee, BGZee”.

Pauly is probably one of the worst “good guys” in any film.

Fun fact those mountains are in British Colombia.

Who’s photo is on Zane’s mirror so he can symbolically take it off the mirror and destroy it

 

[King Corey]

Pauly is probably one of the worst “good guys” in any film.

Fun fact those mountains are in British Colombia.

Who’s photo is on Zane’s mirror so he can symbolically take it off the mirror and destroy it

Pauly is a creep.

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Pauly is a creep.

The WORST

 

[majakdoor]

Will can’t get a game Zane be traded is the big question. I am a believer in his talent but if * offer a 1st rounder of theirs I would take it. Sensational really, drafting Zane when we already have Curtis and Zurhaar plus probably three talls that most sides want to play

 

[Chip Scab1]

Zane needs to take a leaf out of Rocky Balboa’s training regime from Rocky 4. Pretend all his critics are Ivan Drago. Head off to Russia with Paulie and run up and down the Ural Mountains in the snow with just a singlet on.

It worked for Rocky as he went on and defeated Drago in the big fight. He also won over the Russian Crowd (aka many BF campaigners on this forum ) and they were chanting his name at the end “Rokkee, Rokkee”. I see similar visions at Marvel next year when Zane dominates and the crowd will chant “BGZee, BGZee, BGZee”.

Except that particular scene was filmed in Wyoming BrownPaperBag

Apart from that, sure! (please for the love of Gzod, don't go looking for this site in the Urals or BC, it's Cody Peak near Jackson Hole - yep, had to see it for myself, as I'm quite unwell), Adrian!

Mini-flex sorry, DY. If it makes you feel better, I was driving around like Paulie (and those KGB clowns) looking for the exact location, dodging elk, slip sliding on the ice haha

 

[BrownPaperBag]

Except that particular scene was filmed in Wyoming BrownPaperBag

Apart from that, sure! (please for the love of Gzod, don't go looking for this site in the Urals or BC, it's Cody Peak near Jackson Hole - yep, had to see it for myself, as I'm quite unwell), Adrian!

Mini-flex sorry, DY. If it makes you feel better, I was driving around like Paulie (and those KGB clowns) looking for the exact location, dodging elk, slip sliding on the ice haha

View attachment 2450730

Wow, great research I was misinformed

Rocky should have slipped the goons a c note to drop Paulie

 

[The Talent Scout]

How those fairies at the bottom of the garden going? Lol

Really good scottywiper, but they are really shy, but when I told them your response, they gave me this message to give to you...................

 

[hilly]

Really good scottywiper, but they are really shy, but when I told them your response, they gave me this message to give to you...................

I hear ya TTS. I need to wash off the cynicism after speaking to the great man.

 

[koshari]

Zane needs to take a leaf out of Rocky Balboa’s training regime from Rocky 4. Pretend all his critics are Ivan Drago. Head off to Russia with Paulie and run up and down the Ural Mountains in the snow with just a singlet on.

It worked for Rocky as he went on and defeated Drago in the big fight. He also won over the Russian Crowd (aka many BF campaigners on this forum ) and they were chanting his name at the end “Rokkee, Rokkee”. I see similar visions at Marvel next year when Zane dominates and the crowd will chant “BGZee, BGZee, BGZee”.

As long as they dont chant rookie rookie as in the rookie list all will be well.

 

[andana]

Seems like zane is the forgotten middle child. Just drifting through life, feeling neglected and not having his own identity.
Just one of those brothers who play football . He may be better off starting up a sea shanty ensemble

 

[LB2Snake]

Yep, I'm voting for the 2nd option as well. It's time we escaped the cellar that we accidentally locked ourselves in.

I didn't get suspended but have been in rebuilding mode since May of last year. As for the car, it would have needed a new drivers side door and front qtr panel. Which is fair enough as the fecker car doored me. Then he rang his girlfriend and complained that he "just wanted a coffee". This was while I was laying on the road waiting for the ambulance. The look of contempt one of the people helping me gave him was beyond withering.

On the downside, I broke my back and injured my left shoulder. Instinctively turned side-on just before contact which probably saved myself from more dangerous injuries to my throat etc. Had shoulder surgery this June which apparently went well but then successfully picked up Frozen Shoulder a few weeks later. Wasn't much fun having 2-5 hours sleep per night. Then went back in for Shoulder Hydrodilatation and Manipulation. Post match report featured the surgeon saying "your shoulder is incredibly tight" 3 times in a row. Got the impression he was trying to tell me something. Probably going back in for another go with the Shoulder Hydrodilatation. Back has healed ok.

I don't normally share this much of my personal my life on here. Will resume my usual laconic, pragmatic-optimistic posting style after this.

Geez sounds like you’ve been through hell there Gumble Frankieton , all the best with the rest of recovery. Have had a couple surgeries myself, things are never the same as previous, or ya can’t even remember previous.

 

[The Talent Scout]

As long as they dont chant rookie rookie as in the rookie list all will be well.

Ha ha ha, love it, absolutely spot on kosh!

 

[Val Keating]

care to show those receipts now Chadwiko?

 

[Dinkers]

care to show those receipts now Chadwiko?

Still 20 minutes to go isn't there. It could still happen lol

 

[Disco Dew]

Still 20 minutes to go isn't there. It could still happen lol

Would be piss funny.

 

[Val Keating]

Someone is no longer in the know. Spose it happens

 

[The Filth Wizard]

It looks like things were said on both sides in the exit interview, with this not seeing any type of attention you'd assume they fixed the relationship there and then. Big pre-season coming for Zane and hopefully good enough to warrant an early contract re-signing.

 

[JGreezy]

He's one of the main guys who could really change our fortunes if he puts in the work. Hopefully it's a breakout year.

 

[Chadwiko]

care to show those receipts now Chadwiko?

For what it's worth, that's not quite accurate according to my mail.

He did ask to be traded, and North told him 'no'.

That's an oversimplification of course, but that is generally indicative of what I've heard from a couple different ITKs.

It's funny how you have a big sook anytime someone tags you as an attempt at a 'gotcha' but you're the first to clumsily attempt it whenever you think you have an opportunity Val Keating.

Same source who said Jy never requested a trade and would still be at North in 2026, for what it's worth.

 

[FlyHigh18]

He's one of the main guys who could really change our fortunes if he puts in the work. Hopefully it's a breakout year.

Hope so. Although still wondering why he hasn’t been giving his best for the last two years?