With 22 games under his belt for the 2025 season, Xavier Duursma has starred as a consistent on-field performer for the Dons in 2025. 
Duursma reflects how he successfully managed his body in 2025, why staying positive in tough times is important, and the exciting future of the Dons. 

Duursma on……managing his body in 2025  

Since joining the Club, a lot of my growth and development revolves around my body, and how I’ve learned to manage it. When I reflect on this, it’s something I’m extremely proud of. 

When I first got to Essendon, I didn’t know when to push through pain, or when I needed to hold back, but now I feel a lot more in tune with myself. 

Playing 22 games this season is the most consistent number of games I’ve played in my career, that kind of consistency is huge for me. It has given me confidence knowing I can prepare at an elite level, and I can back it up week in, week out.

Getting my body right, working on high-speed running, and my fitness, that is everything I want to take to another level. I’m already keen to start pre-season ready to go, not playing catch-up.

Duursma on……recovery and routine 

A key takeaway from the year has been the power of preparation, particularly when things aren’t going perfectly. 

This year I had niggles, no doubt about it, and you’re never feeling 100% after Round 1. But I became really disciplined with recovery, ice baths, sleep, treatment, nutrition, and all the rest.  

By locking into that routine, I could trust that even when I was sore or under pressure, I had the foundation to get through it and still perform to my best. 

Duursma on……staying positive

2025 wasn’t without challenges, particularly for a lot of our team dealing with a heavy injury toll. 

At times, we were down multiple key players, relying heavily on first-year talent and debutants, but it was great to see those moments turn into opportunities for growth. 

Personally, I tried to focus on what I could control. My effort, attitude, and supporting the young guys coming in. 

To witness those young guys, live out their dreams, make their debuts, and hold their own was one of the highlights of the year for me. 

Duursma on……the energy of the next generation

 Our young boys such as Nate Caddy, Isaac Kako, Angus Clarke, Archie Roberts, they don’t just provide from an on-field perspective, they bring energy and excitement to the playing group. 

Their development this past season has been massive, and I know the best is still ahead, which is extremely exciting. Mix our young crew with another strong draft crop on the way, and you can tell the list is building. 

We all know we are working toward something special.

Duursma on……the team’s grit and growth

Despite the injuries, the team managed to stay competitive and show serious heart, and that is what we are most proud. 

We were probably outmatched at times by teams with more experience and firepower, but we never stopped competing. No one dropped their heads, and we just kept turning up. 

Culture is built on resilience, and that is what sets the foundations for long-term success. That is something we should all be proud of. 

Duursma on…… his greatest support

I think behind every season and every player there is a solid support network and/or person, and for me that has been my partner. She has been amazing. 

At the start of the year, we set goals together both personally and professional, most of mine revolved around footy, and hers for work. Both our goals were very different, but we held each other accountable. 

It has been the shared commitment and structure that helped us stay disciplined, especially in the tough stretches. 

I credit a lot of my positive year to her and all the conversations we’ve had along the way. I’m super grateful for her. 

Duursma on… a message to the Bomber faithful

Stick with us. You’ve witnessed what Caddy, Kako, Roberts, Clarke and the other young boys can do, and we are only going to get better. 

This year was tough, but the fight was there. 

Keep the faith. Big things are coming.