Highly-rated junior Zane Duursma has a bright future ahead.
That’s if information from his school coach is anything to go by.
Lowanna Sports Academy coach Allan Chandler says the younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier is the most skilful player he has ever coached.
Chandler spoke glowingly of the Gippsland Power forward and top 2023 draft prospect on SEN Breakfast.
“Zane is the most skilful player I’ve had the ability to coach so far,” Chandler said of Duursma.
“Whether it’s his high marking, he’s got an incredible leap, also his timing for his leap. His ability to balance and kick off both feet is really good. He’s got a really good goal sense.
“I hope at some stage this year he just has one of those games kind of like he did against Bendigo last year where he kicked six or seven (goals) and we can just sit back and enjoy.”
Will there be any Xavier-like celebrations if he does happen to kick a few goals?
“Yeah there will be, I don’t think there’ll be bow and arrows,” Chandler added.
“I’m lucky enough to look after the forwards and I actually like when they celebrate. It gets everyone else up and about, go for gold, make it interesting.”
Duursma is being tipped by many draft experts to go inside the top five of this year’s draft.
Chandler is also proud to see another Lowanna Academy and Gippsland product, Bailey Humphrey, debut for the Gold Coast Suns this weekend.
“It’s hard with comparisons but his forward line craft, he’s a little bit like Toby Greene,” he said of the no.6 draft pick.
“He’s the most powerful, best one on one player I’ve ever coached and dealt with.
“He’s a nice size, he’s very strong through his legs. I can’t remember the last time he got knocked over.
“I look forward to seeing how he goes against the real men on the big stage.”
Humphrey steps out for the Suns against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.