West Coast fans were treated to two spectacular highlights in Sunday’s win over North Melbourne, with both Matt Flynn and first‑year star Willem Duursma earning League‑wide recognition for their standout moments at Optus Stadium.
The afternoon’s first nomination came from Flynn, who delivered a moment no one quite saw coming early in the third quarter as the Eagles held an 18‑point lead.
With the ball locked in West Coast’s forward 50, Willem Duursma swooped through cleanly before releasing the towering ruckman, an unlikely contender for Goal of the Year but the perfect man in the perfect moment.
With barely a split‑second to work in heavy traffic, Flynn threw a sharp right‑footstep, balanced and launched a stunning kick that sailed straight through the middle to ignite the home crowd. It was a cracking finish and one fully deserving of a Goal of the Year nomination.
Not long after, Duursma produced a highlight of his own to ensure the Eagles featured twice in this week’s nomination lists.
With just under 10 minutes left in the final term and West Coast clinging to a 16‑point advantage, co‑captain Liam Duggan sent a long, high ball toward the southern wing.
DUURSMA ✈️
— AFL (@AFL) March 22, 2026
The No.1 pick rises for a huge grab!@VirginAustralia | #AFLEaglesNorth pic.twitter.com/Tb4c3QjCXW
Rising through the middle of a packed contest with complete confidence, Duursma soared above the group and pulled down a spectacular overhead grab.
It was a moment of pure athleticism, courage and timing from the No.1 draft pick. The sea of blue and gold erupted as Duursma secured the mark and landed cleanly. The breathtaking leap earning him a well‑deserved Mark of the Year nomination.
Fans can back both nominations and go into the running to win the major prize of $5,000 thanks to Virgin Australia at the end of the 2026 Toyota AFL home and away season.
Round 2 voting closes 10am Thursday (AEDT)
