The Duursma Dilemma: What's next for Zane?

Zane Duursma is out of contract with North Melbourne at the end of this season, with rival clubs showing interest in the high flying forward.

Zane was the second Duursma brother to break into the AFL alongside his older brother Xavier, who was drafted in 2018 and now plays for Essendon, while younger brother Willem was the first pick in last year’s draft to West Coast.

Zane Duursma was the fourth pick in the 2023 National Draft as a highly touted prospect known for his goal sense and athleticism.

However, it hasn't quite panned out for the Roo, who was selected above the likes of Hawthorn’s Nick Watson, Geelong’s Connor O'Sullivan and Essendon’s Nate Caddy.

Before being sidelined for the season with a shoulder subluxation, the forward was averaging just seven disposals and a goal a game at AFL level.

North Melbourne offered the 20-year-old a two-year extension halfway through the 2026 season, however, Duursma has left that contract on the table and is reportedly seeking offers from other clubs.

Melbourne is the favourite to land the out of contract forward, with the Demons having ties to Zane since the 2023 draft where they showed heavy interest in the drafting process.

AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey broke down Zane Duursma’s uncertain future.

“Zane Duursma is one of the most strange contract storylines of this year,” Twomey told AFL.com.au’s Gettable.

“He has had a healthy two year offer on the table from North Melbourne for some time.

“I think he is looking at a fresh start. Melbourne has been linked to him, they were big fans of him during the draft, as all clubs were at the top end of that pool.

“At this point I think it’s more likely that he is not at North Melbourne next season than him being there.

“I’m not sure it’s a good call to move from North Melbourne at the moment, I think North is about to pop, I think life in his position as a small forward is about to get easier at North Melbourne.”

Gettable co-host Riley Beveridge added that Zane’s tough start to his career should become easier with North Melbourne moving in the right direction.

“It’s been so difficult through his first 4 years in the AFL landscape,” he said.

“It does get a bit more easier now that the team starts playing well. I am keeping a very close eye on the Dees for Zane Duursma.”