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Draft watch: The Gippsland Power guns to keep an eye on in 2025
Andrew Slevison & James Pitcher • April 13th, 2025 11:30 am
The Gippsland Power have started the 2025 Coates Talent League season in winning form with two wins from their opening two matches.
Coached by Rhett McLenann, the Power have beaten the Murray Bushrangers by 48 points and most recently the Dandenong Stingrays by 18 points last weekend.
One of the key reasons for the pair of victories has been Willem Duursma, the younger brother of Essendon’s Xavier, North Melbourne’s Zane and Carlton’s Yasmin.
Duursma is being tipped by many to be taken at the pointy end of the 2025 national draft given his top-line ability at junior level.
McLennan says the talented Duursma is certainly one Power player to watch closely this year, revealing they’ve been working hard on his deficiencies to prepare him for the rigours of the AFL.
“Willem is going to be spoken about a lot,” McLennan said on SEN’s Future Stars.
“His (draft) chances, I suppose, are pretty good. It’s a really interesting year and he’s one of these players we haven’t had a lot of for a while, that he’s probably going to get drafted regardless of how his season is.
“But what can he get out of this year with us? We’ve been talking about how he gets better with some skills that aren’t his one-wood.
“He’s playing more midfield time and some more forward time, and just how he gets better at that space and gets better at his contested ball and defensive running and defensive work around the footy.
“He’s really embracing that. I thought his game on the weekend, although he didn’t get the numbers he did in Round 1, his ability to actually halve contests.
“I think there’s some real development and scope. We’re making sure we’re identifying and pumping him up when he does things that people don’t really see on Baseline Footy highlights that are important to his team.
“He’s progressing really well and hopefully we can get him as well-rounded as we possibly can for the draft and for next year.”
Duursma dominated in Round 1 with 36 disposals before contributing 17 touches in the win over the Stingrays.
Another of his Power colleagues to keep an eye on in 2025 is Brodie Atkins.
The 181cm midfielder is one of McLennan’s favourites given his in-and-under ability and his toughness around the contest.
“Brodie is as hard as a cat’s head,” the coach added.
“He’s an inside mid and has been playing as an inside mid since he was 16. His contested footy stuff and creativity with his hands is really good.
“He needs to keep working on his kicking and polish on the outside. He’ll get a lot of footy and contested footy numbers.
“Keep an eye on him.”
Thirdly, Jobe Scapin can produce the premium moments required to make it at the elite level, he just needs to add consistency to his game.
“Jobe is a guy who has got some really flashy AFL moments,” said McLennan further.
“He’s a beautiful right-foot kick, really nice and athletic at an adaptable size of 187-188cm. He can play half-back or half-forward.
“There’s a couple of guys to watch.”
The undefeated Gippie mees the similarly unbeaten Bendigo Pioneers at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo on Sunday from 10am AEST.
For a snapshot of the key Gippsland Power kids in 2025, read below.
Willem DuursmaAFL Academy member who featured for Vic Country in last year's National Champs as a bottom ager. Used in defence during the Carnival in 2024, Willem has been swung forward this season amassing 36 disposals in Round 1 against Murray Bushrangers. Willem will be the fourth sibling of the Duursma family to break into the AFL/W ranks in 2026. Just how high he goes in the Draft remains to be seen, but he is an exciting player to watch.
Jobe ScapinVic Country Hub member, Jobe shows flashes of AFL traits and he is a smooth mover. Consistency will be the key for him this season. A utility type, Jobe had a quiet start to the season but put in a much better performance in Round 2. He covers the ground well and is built for the modern game.
Zach O’KeefeVic Country Hub member, a small inside mid who loves the contest but does have the ability to win the ball on the outside. Whilst only small, he knows where the ball is and has started the season with a bang picking up 27 & 26 touches in the first two games.
Mitch StevensVic Country Hub member who is father-son prospect for the Adelaide Crows. The son of 101-game Crow Mark is a medium-sized defender who intercepts well and gets involved in transition off the back flank.
Tom MatthewsA dynamic small forward who loves to fly at the footy. Having had a huge pre-season, Tom gets involved in the centre stoppages using his athleticism to get out of the contest.
Bottom age players to follow:• Will Malady – key forward• Marlon Neocleous – small forward• Xavier Ladbrook – key back/forward
