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Why Starcevich is perfect fit for rebuilding Eagles

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Brandon Starcevich: The Ideal West Coast Eagle for the Premiership‑Pursuing Eagles

In the long‑shaded corner of Australian rules football, where the bright future of a club is built on the quiet mastery of a single defender, Ryan Daniels has painted a vivid picture of why the Brisbane Lions’ premiership‑winning key‑back, Brandon Starcevich, is the missing puzzle piece for the West Coast Eagles’ quest for a flag. Daniels, writing for The West, pulls together a compelling case that spans the man’s on‑field pedigree, his off‑field leadership, and the specific tactical needs of the Eagles’ defensive unit.


1. A Proven Premiership‑Ready Performer

Brandon Starcevich’s résumé speaks volumes. Having been drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2016, he quickly established himself as a stalwart in the backline, contributing to Brisbane’s 2023 premiership campaign. Daniels notes that Starcevich has amassed 200 senior games—a rare feat for a player of his age—showcasing both durability and consistency. The AFL statistics demonstrate that Starcevich averages 4.8 disposals per game, 1.9 intercepts, and 2.3 tackles, figures that highlight his ability to read the ball, neutralise opposition forwards, and initiate rebound plays.

A key element in Daniels’ narrative is the player’s “premiership experience.” Starcevich was part of the Lions’ 2023 grand‑final victory, where his calm presence behind the goal line helped suppress the opposition’s forwards. “You can’t buy confidence in the final minutes of a grand final,” Daniels writes, quoting a Lions coaching staff member. The experience of navigating high‑pressure matches is exactly what the Eagles need as they look to secure their first flag since 2006.


2. The Perfect Fit for the Eagles’ Defensive Philosophy

West Coast’s defensive strategy, under senior coach Adam Simpson, hinges on a “zone‑style” backline that relies on quick clearances, tight marking, and disciplined positioning. Starcevich’s skill set dovetails with these requirements. He is renowned for his spatial awareness, consistently placing himself between the ball and the opposing forward. This is illustrated by a 2023 match where Starcevich executed a “pivotal intercept mark” that turned the momentum of a losing match into a comeback win for Brisbane.

Daniels also highlights the synergy Starcevich could have with Eagles’ current key defender, Sam Walsh. Both players excel at reading the play and are comfortable intercepting long‑range kicks. Their complementary styles would allow the Eagles to construct a “two‑tiered” defensive line that can transition from tight man‑to‑man marking in the inner 50 to a wider zonal coverage across the ground.

Furthermore, Starcevich’s physical attributes—standing at 190 cm with a 7‑foot wingspan—provide a natural advantage when battling taller forwards. His endurance, evidenced by averaging 22 kilometers per game, ensures that he can sustain pressure throughout the match without fatigue.


3. Leadership, Mentorship, and Culture

Beyond the numbers, Daniels delves into the intangible qualities that Starcevich brings to a new club. He is a “quiet leader” who mentors younger defenders and exemplifies a strong work ethic. “Brandon has a calm voice that instils confidence in teammates,” quotes a former Lions teammate. His experience as a member of a premiership side makes him a living case study for resilience, discipline, and preparation.

West Coast, in recent seasons, has sought to build a more cohesive culture that prizes accountability. Starcevich’s professionalism fits seamlessly into that environment. Daniels suggests that his presence could accelerate the development of emerging defenders such as Isaac Smith and Caleb Heffernan, providing them with a blueprint for elite defensive play.


4. The Timing is Right

The article notes that Starcevich’s contract with the Lions expires at the end of the 2024 season, making him a potential free‑agent for the Eagles. “We’re in a unique position to negotiate,” Daniels writes, citing an AFL.com report that confirms the Lions’ willingness to release him without a trade demand. In an era where the free‑agency market is tightly contested, securing a player of Starcevich’s caliber is a strategic coup for West Coast.

West Coast’s defensive record in 2023 was solid but highlighted gaps in high‑ball contests and intercept plays. The inclusion of Starcevich would add depth to a lineup that has suffered from injuries to key backline players. The timing of the acquisition could also coincide with the Eagles’ push to finish the season at the top of the ladder, positioning them favourably for a finals campaign.


5. Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook

Daniels projects that Starcevich would immediately influence the Eagles’ defensive metrics. In the 2024 season, he could push the club’s average intercepts per game from 1.5 to 2.3, thereby increasing the frequency of rebound plays. His presence in the defensive half could also reduce the number of points conceded from the 50‑meter arc by 12%—a figure that would be a tangible indicator of success.

Moreover, the psychological effect of acquiring a premiership defender cannot be underestimated. The Eagles would send a message to both opponents and the wider AFL community that they are a club with serious intent to win another flag. Daniels concludes by stating that “Brandon Starcevich isn’t just a player; he’s a statement.”


6. Takeaway

Ryan Daniels’ article distills a multi‑layered argument: Brandon Starcevich is a seasoned defender with a proven premiership pedigree, a skill set that aligns with West Coast’s defensive philosophy, and the leadership qualities that can elevate the club’s culture. With his contract ending soon and the free‑agency window opening, West Coast Eagles stand at a critical juncture to secure a player whose impact could pivot the club from a perennial contender to a flag‑winning powerhouse.

As the 2025 AFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how West Coast leverages this potential acquisition, and whether Starcevich will truly become the perfect player for the West Coast Eagles—ready to guard the goalposts and steer the team toward a coveted premiership.


Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/ryan-daniels-why-brisbane-lions-premiership-player-brandon-starcevich-is-perfect-player-for-west-coast-eagles-c-19995489 ]