Zane Duursma is enjoying his footy. 

Nine rounds into the 2026 season, the talented forward has already kicked 14 goals, more than he managed across his first 23 games, while playing every game so far this year.

None was more memorable than the win over Carlton on Good Friday.

"That game was fantastic," Duursma told NMFC Media at Arden St this week.

"The build-up to it is a reminder of the whole reason you play footy, with all the kids from the hospital who come to the game.

"And then for us to come back from three goals at three-quarter time and win, that was probably my favourite game I've played to date. It was awesome."

Duursma's confidence and growing consistency is in contrast to where he found himself around this time last year.

Two months into his second AFL campaign since being drafted with the No.4 pick, the 19-year-old was dropped to the reserves. Duursma is quick to admit his mentality wasn't right.

"I got really down on myself if I didn't do the right thing, if I wasn't in the right position," he said.

Among his nine games in the twos was one game alongside a raw forward who had been playing his local footy at Blackburn.

In the mid-season draft, the Roos called the tall youngster's name, and Cooper Trembath burst onto the AFL scene.

Twelve months on, Trembath has become one of Duursma's closest friends.

"I knew him a little from the VFL, and then once we drafted him, I got to know him a bit better," Duursma said.

"We really gelled, and since the start of the year, he's become my closest mate at the club. On and off the field, he's been terrific for me."

Draftee Blake Thredgold is another who's quickly become a good friend, and second-year midfielder Luke Urquhart. 

"We understand each other, get motivation from each other, help get the best out of each other," Duursma said.

"So the club is definitely feeling more like home now. And it hopefully will be for the foreseeable future."

From the small town of Foster in South Gippsland, the Duursmas are a rare family with four siblings playing at AFL/W level.

Eldest brother Xavier has played 119 games across eight seasons for Port Adelaide and now Essendon. Older sister Yasmin is now at Carlton after also starting her career at the Power, while younger brother Willem is in his debut season after becoming the top draft pick at West Coast.

Mum Susie and dad Dean get to as many of their children's games as they can, which can amount to virtually a full-time job. 

"We're all really close," Duursma said of his siblings.

"Xav and I speak about twice a week. Because he's been in the AFL system for a while, he knows how he knows how everything works and how it all goes. He'll definitely give you constructive criticism if he has to, but he's great.

"And I'll always call my younger brother after every game that he plays.

"There's definitely a little bit of banter but it's really supportive. 

"We give each other feedback because we're very good with our footy brains, we all know what role each other plays."

Support from club performance staff has also been important as Duursma has focused on improving his preparation and mindset.

Before every game he works with head of player wellbeing and development Corey Maynard, while leadership performance consultant Kane Johnson has helped him replace negative thinking with an approach that keeps him accountable for his actions and outcomes.

"It's just been a switch of mindset," Duursma said. 

"Implementing that into my game has helped me not worry about the mistakes and just focus on playing and having fun.

"I feel like I've grown up a lot.

"Especially moving out of home from living in a country town down in South Gippsland and moving up to the city, it's been a big leap in my life, but I think this year I've really learned some big lessons.

"Putting in a big pre-season helped me get myself in shape and firing for this season. And obviously heading into this year with more confidence has helped me thrive in that forward line.

"I guess that's why we're starting to see the results that we are now. 

"At the same time, I know that I've still got a way to go and I'm really determined to help the team keep pushing up the ladder."