Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma will make their AFL debuts in North Melbourne’s season opener on Saturday against Greater Western Sydney. 

The 18-year-olds arrived at Arden Street in November after being taken with the club’s first two selections – No.2 and No.4 – in the 2023 AFL Draft. 

A prolific ball-winner with eye-catching speed and a sharp left foot, McKercher impressed recruiters in his draft year with his ability to explode away from stoppages and create forward-half opportunities for his teammates.

Hailing from Launceston, he helped the Tasmania Devils reach the U18 Boys Coates Talent League preliminary finals for a second year running, averaging 29 disposals and a goal per game inside the team’s engine room.

A reliable goalkicker and strong mark inside 50, Duursma booted more than 30 majors in each of his past two seasons with the Gippsland Power and rounded out his top-age year by claiming their best and fairest, as well as All-Australian and Coates Talent League Team of the Year honours. 

He will become the third Duursma sibling to play at the highest level when he runs out on Saturday, following in the footsteps of his brother Xavier (Port Adelaide/Essendon) and sister Yasmin (Port Adelaide/Carlton).

McKercher and Duursma learned they would make their AFL debut this weekend during Tuesday afternoon’s team meeting. 

North Melbourne’s full Round 1 team will be revealed on Thursday night at 6.20pm AEDT.