MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Brandon Starcevich of the Lions during the AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Brisbane Lions have confirmed that dual premiership defender Brandon Starcevich will be joining the West Coast Eagles, following a heartfelt farewell from coach Chris Fagan during the club’s best-and-fairest night. This announcement puts to rest the speculation surrounding Starcevich’s future, which had been clouded by a concussion sustained during Brisbane’s recent grand final victory.
Starcevich has been a long-time target for the Eagles, with reports suggesting that the club has offered him a lucrative six-year deal. Despite initial concerns about his health, the 26-year-old defender appears ready to make the move westward. Coach Fagan expressed gratitude for Starcevich’s contributions, stating, “Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich will be taking their option to move on to other clubs for next year. We all understand why that’s happening, we’re just incredibly grateful for what they’ve done for our club, it’s part and parcel of the business.”
Starcevich’s Impact and Future Prospects
Starcevich’s departure marks a significant shift for the Brisbane Lions, who will now focus on securing the best possible outcome from this transition. List manager Dom Ambrogio acknowledged the challenge of losing key players, saying, “Whilst it is disappointing to have premiership players and high-quality people leave the organisation, we understand this is the nature of the industry at times.”
The Eagles’ recent acquisition of an AFL assistance package, including an end-of-first-round draft pick, is expected to facilitate Starcevich’s move. This strategic advantage could prove pivotal in strengthening West Coast’s defensive lineup, particularly with the recent trade request from Richmond’s key defender, Tylar Young.
Health Concerns Addressed
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, Starcevich addressed concerns about his health, stating, “I’m feeling good. My history isn’t great but I wasn’t going to think twice and not do that. I feel good now. It’s nothing serious.” His reassurances come as a relief to the Eagles, who are banking on his robust defensive skills to bolster their team.
Starcevich also revealed that he had deliberately avoided contract discussions during the finals to maintain focus on his performance. “While I’ve been playing footy, it’s been all about concentrating on doing that well. It’s a pretty good way to end the year,” he commented.
Implications for the Brisbane Lions
The Lions are now tasked with navigating the aftermath of this significant roster change. The departure of Starcevich, along with Callum Ah Chee, signals a period of transition for the team. Meanwhile, teammate Deven Robertson has also expressed a desire to join the Eagles, further indicating a shift in the team’s dynamics.
Robertson, who has faced challenges over the past two years, sees West Coast as his preferred destination, aiming to return to regular top-level play. The 24-year-old’s move could potentially reshape the Eagles’ lineup, offering them a fresh start with a mix of experienced and emerging talent.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial as Brisbane and West Coast finalize the details of these player movements. The Lions will be keen to leverage their position to secure promising talent in return, while the Eagles are poised to welcome Starcevich and potentially Robertson to their ranks.
As the AFL offseason progresses, these developments underscore the ever-evolving nature of the league, where strategic trades and player movements can significantly alter the competitive landscape. Both clubs will be looking to capitalize on these changes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
