West Coast Eagles’ round three Rising Star nominee Willem Duursma has praised the support he and his young teammates have received since arriving at the club.

Duursma was recognised for another standout performance on the weekend, finishing with 20 disposals, six marks, four clearances and a goal in West Coast’s two-point upset win over Port Adelaide on Sunday.

“We really just want to embrace each other as a team and as teammates,” Duursma said.

“Whether we do something wrong or do something right, we get around each other and show love and support.

“No matter what you’re doing on the field, whether it’s good or bad, you feel like you’re playing your role.”

In just his third game in the blue and gold, the 18-year-old wingman has already shown his incredible talent on the big stage, to which he credits the tight-knit nature of this developing group.

Duursma becomes the second Eagle to be nominated for the Rising Star so far this season, with fellow young gun Jobe Shanahan nominated in round two.

“I think it’s more just a confidence thing,” Duursma said.

“It’s on the back of the belief from the older boys, and all of us younger boys getting together in this team.

“We all believe in each other, we get around each other, and the love and support is there which is one of our key values.

“It helps us flow, and it allows players like me and Jobe (Shanahan) to get these back-to-back Rising Stars.”

Following the Draft, Duursma relocated to Perth from regional Victoria and is currently living with fellow No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid, who has been influential both on and off the field.

“He’s been a good role model. He’s matured over the off season and now into the season and I think he’s clearly shown that,” Duursma said.

“Because he’s matured off-field, he’s also matured on-field, and he’s played some really good games and it’s starting to show.

“Me living with him and giving him that opportunity to be a good role model has obviously helped him and his development and he’s playing some career-best footy.”

The Eagles have now won back-to-back games, the first time doing so since 2024, and Duursma said the team is feeling positive about the direction they are heading.

“It’s been very upbeat, we’ve won back-to-back games, from a club that didn’t see a lot of success last year,” Duursma.

“Now that we’ve won two games and it’s only round three, we’re looking on to the rest of the season and there’s still a lot more that we can do as a team.  

“We can still get better, and I think that’s the best part about it, and I think we’re all very optimistic about how we’re going.”