Highly-rated North Melbourne youngster Zane Duursma has expressed frustration over his limited game time, prompting fresh discussion around his future at Arden Street.
The 19-year-old has featured in just seven senior games this season, fuelling speculation of an early departure from the Kangaroos.
Duursma, taken with pick No.4 in the 2023 draft, is yet to cement his place in Alastair Clarkson’s side. Instead, he’s been trialled in the VFL, most recently as a defender, in a bid to rebuild confidence and find form.
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Despite murmurs of discontent, the club remains adamant he won’t be going anywhere.
Club insists Duursma is going nowhere
“Joey Montagna, of course, put Zane Duursma on the agenda a couple weeks back. Disgruntled, not getting a game — ‘would he go elsewhere?’,” Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph said on Midweek Tackle.
“He’s been having a lot of conversations with Alastair Clarkson about his role, and he’s really clear on what it will be. The club is telling him, ‘you’re not going anywhere’.”
“He’s actually playing VFL as a defender, so last week he was pushed back just to get a kick and confidence ... he might be grumpy, but he is going nowhere.”
Duursma comes from a football family, with siblings at Essendon, Carlton, and one tipped to be a top 2025 draft selection, and arrived at North with high expectations. While his development has taken a slower path than anticipated, recruiters reportedly remain bullish about his long-term potential.