Willem Duursma celebrates a goal during the match between West Coast and North Melbourne at Optus Stadium in round two, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

WILLEM Duursma has capped a dream start to his AFL career with the Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination for round three after West Coast's thrilling road win over Port Adelaide.

The Eagles overcame a 29-point deficit to win by two points in front of a hostile Power crowd at Adelaide Oval to claim successive wins for the first time since rounds six and seven in 2024.

Duursma, the No.1 pick in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, had his most productive game against Port Adelaide, amassing 20 disposals, six marks, four clearances and kicking 1.3.

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Last two mins: Young gun's superb mark helps Eagles hold off Power

The thrilling final moments between Port Adelaide and West Coast in round three

He has made a promising start to his AFL career, enjoying two wins from three games after victory against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium in round two, having made his debut in a loss to Gold Coast in round one.

Still only 18, Duursma has averaged more than 16 disposals and one goal per game in a West Coast team that has been boosted by the elite ability of prized youngsters Harley Reid, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Jobe Shanahan and Archer Reid.

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AFL Rising Star: Willem Duursma stars in Round 3

Check out the Telstra AFL Rising Star for Round 3, Willem Duursma

2026 Telstra AFL Rising Star nominees

Opening Round: Leo Lombard (Gold Coast)
Round one: Jagga Smith (Carlton)
Round two: Jobe Shanahan (West Coast)
Round three: Willem Duursma (West Coast)