Duursma awarded AFL Life Members Education Assistance scholarship

Victorian junior footy gun Willem Duursma and Georja Davies (Queensland) have been presented the 2024 AFL Life Members Education Assistance Award.

Both players received $10,000 to assist their education and personal development during their draft year in 2025.

Duursma is a key defender from the Gippsland Power who represented Victoria Country as a bottom-age player at this year’s Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Boys.

Duursma began his junior footy career at Foster Football Club in U11s, and has since played community footy for Corner Inlet and Inverloch-Kongwak Junior Football Club.

In 2023 he claimed Victoria Country’s MVP award at the Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys and was also selected in the All Australian team.

Both Davies and Duursma will be eligible to be drafted next year, where they will both be striving to become the fourth sibling in their family to play football at the highest level.

It is a feat that has been achieved by just 13 families across the history of the AFL and AFLW competitions.

Duursma’s three older siblings Xavier (Essendon), Zane (North Melbourne) and Yasmin (Carlton) are all on AFL/AFLW lists.

His father Dean played under-19s and reserves for the Sydney Swans and Melbourne, while his uncle Jamie played 59 VFL/AFL games for the Sydney Swans, Brisbane Bears and Melbourne.

Davies is the younger sister of AFLW stars Giselle (Sydney Swans), Fleur (GWS GIANTS) and Darcie (Gold Coast SUNS), while her father Darren played under-21 international rugby for Wales before representing Swansea and Cardiff at senior level.

Davies became the inaugural female winner of the scholarship, joining an illustrious list of recipients that includes Harley Reid, Joel Selwood, Luke Hodge, Sam Walsh and Nic Naitanui.

Hailing from Southport Football Club and a member of the Gold Coast SUNS Academy, the 17-year-old ruck/forward was last week selected in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Girls All Australian team.

Davies starred as a bottom-age player for Queensland, averaging 23 disposals, five marks, five tackles and 16 hitouts per game during the Championships.

She also featured in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Girls match at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, which was played ahead of the NAB AFLW clash between the Geelong Cats and Melbourne.

Davies and Duursma were presented the AFL Life Members Education Assistance Award at an AFL Life Members function held at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.

Guests in attendance included Mike Fitzpatrick, John Nicholls, David Parkin, Terry Daniher and Des Tuddenham.