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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Duursma or Smith? Young stars rising to the occasion

Willem Duursma has averaged more than 19 disposals a game in his stellar first year for the Eagles. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Saturday's clash between Carlton and West Coast will be a heavyweight battle for the AFL's Rising Star award as Jagga Smith and Willem Duursma go head-to-head for the first time in their professional careers.

No.1 draft pick Duursma has been a revelation in his first season at West Coast, with the 19-year-old averaging 19.1 disposals, 2.5 clearances, 358m gained and 3.4 tackles per game to go with nine goals.

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