West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid explains why Willem Duursma deserves to be the number one AFL draft pick

West Coast star Harley Reid has declared Willem Duursma’s height, skill and versatility have set him apart from the rest of this year’s draftees and are the key reasons why the Eagles should select him as the number one pick on Wednesday night. Reid understands what’s required to become a number one pick, along with the pressure and expectation which comes with the honour. Duursma has been an under age star, earning All-Australian selection at both under 16 and under 18 level. At 192cm, he has excelled as both a midfielder and defender, and Reid said that talent set him apart from the rest of this year’s draft crop. “He’s a very humble and driven kid which is awesome to see, and he can play anywhere with his height,” Reid told The West Australian. “That’s what makes him the number one. It’s the way he can play in any position. But he doesn’t just play it like a role, he does everything to his full capability. He’s that utility who has an X-factor about him and he’s got a nice right foot.” West Coast will enter the draft with the massive advantage of having picks one and two. That hasn’t occurred since 2019 when Gold Coast recruited Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell and club captain Noah Anderson. Reid is also excited about the prospect of Victorian ruckman Cooper Duff-Tytler being the club’s second selection, saying his athletic style will be an even bigger weapon under the recently changed AFL ruck laws. Reid has spent his first two seasons with a spotlight on him as one of the most exciting young players to ever enter the AFL. He said it will be important for Duursma to prepare himself for how quickly his life will change, but warned it was vital not to get carried away by the hype and publicity that will follow him. “It’s day by day. Take everything in your stride, ask questions and get out of your comfort zone. Keep your circle close and be willing to get better,” Reid said. “It’s super exciting and it will be good for me. I’ll be able to hide in the shadows. We’ve been lucky enough to get picks one and two so I can’t wait. We’re all extremely happy and grateful to be in this position. This might hold us in good stead and then we can build with what we’re getting.” Reid signed a contract extension at the end of last season and will now remain with the Eagles until at least the end of 2028. He is confident the club is moving in the right direction by building through the draft and believes also targeting mature players after being given an AFL Assistance Package will help the club to improve. “With the position we are in. we’ve got to do it,” Reid said. “I think it will work. We just have to keep building. We’ve got mature aged players and we’ve got young pups, but we don’t have that age in between. That’s what we lack at the moment.”