Head of List Management and Recruiting Matt Clarke has expressed satisfaction with the West Coast Eagles’ trade period accomplishments, emphasizing both immediate gains and long-term strategic growth. The acquisition of two-time premiership defender Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane stands out as a significant achievement for the club.
Clarke praised Starcevich’s competitive nature and the meticulous process that led to the deal. “He’s very competitive, a determined player who will bring great standards to our group,” Clarke stated during an interview with Trade Radio on Friday. “The way he trains and plays will give real confidence to the players down back.”
Strategic Acquisitions and Departures
The Eagles have been active in the trade market, facilitating Liam Ryan’s move to St Kilda and saying farewell to free agent Oscar Allen, who departs in exchange for the second pick in the upcoming draft. Additionally, Campbell Chesser has been traded to Carlton, providing the young midfielder with a fresh opportunity.
On the defensive front, Clarke confirmed that Richmond’s Tylar Young is a priority target, with negotiations nearing completion. “We had prioritised Tylar Young from Richmond as the key back,” he said. “He’s committed to joining us, it’s just a matter of getting the deal done.”
Balancing Youth and Experience
Clarke emphasized the importance of balancing youthful talent with seasoned experience. The inclusion of senior players is seen as vital for leadership and maintaining high standards on the field. “We’re looking at where our list is at from an age demographic. We’d love some more senior depth in those roles,” Clarke explained.
The club has already seen positive impacts from players like Jack Graham, Liam Baker, Matt Owies, and Matt Flynn. Clarke noted, “It’s been a real target to bring in those senior guys to keep the standards high.”
Draft Strategy and Future Prospects
Despite strong interest from rival clubs, the Eagles are committed to utilizing their top draft picks. For the first time in the club’s history, West Coast holds the first two selections in the draft, presenting a unique opportunity to shape their future roster.
“They’ve been popular, but it would have to be a pretty good deal to change our mind,” Clarke said. “We’re pretty set on using those picks.”
The Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, powered by Tyrepower, will conclude on Wednesday at 4.30pm WST, marking the end of a pivotal period for the Eagles as they look to strengthen their squad for upcoming seasons.
Looking Ahead
This strategic approach by West Coast reflects a broader trend in the AFL where clubs are increasingly focused on building sustainable success through a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. The Eagles’ moves in this trade period could set a precedent for future strategies, not just for them but for other clubs observing their approach.
As the trade period draws to a close, the focus will shift to the draft, where the Eagles have the potential to further bolster their squad. The coming weeks will be crucial as they finalize their roster, aiming to build a competitive team that can challenge for titles in the coming years.
