West Coast Eagles are reportedly concerned about the health of their key free agent target, Brandon Starcevich, following his latest concussion. However, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Meanwhile, veteran Adelaide player Taylor Walker is expected to extend his career, defying earlier doubts.
Eagles Sweat Over Free Agent Starcevich
The West Coast Eagles have been eager to bring home Brandon Starcevich, a dual premiership defender from Western Australia. However, Starcevich’s recent concussion—his fourth in 14 months—has raised concerns within the club. Despite these worries, the Eagles remain hopeful due to the less severe nature of this concussion compared to a previous one that sidelined him for three months.
Jon Ralph, a reporter for the Herald Sun and Fox Footy, noted, “The big worry, right now, is for Brandon Starcevich … this (concussion) was not as significant as the one that saw him out for three months, but the Eagles have put (forward) a deal that is significant.”
“It’s $900,000, as much as six years. They (the Eagles) have contacted those around him (Starcevich) in the last 48 hours — they’re worried about this concussion.”
The Eagles’ offer reportedly includes games-based triggers, which means the six-year deal is not fully guaranteed unless Starcevich meets certain performance criteria. This provides some relief to the club and its supporters.
Four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis expressed his concerns about the length of the deal, stating, “That’s a lot of money to commit to someone who’s had a lot of previous issues in terms of concussion.”
In the event of a medical retirement, AFL rules provide financial protections for clubs, allowing them to exempt a significant portion of a player’s salary from the salary cap for up to three years post-retirement.
“I think it’s a fair bet for West Coast to take, assuming that they have got recompense somewhere built in from the AFL to be able to take that risk,” said former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.
Starcevich is a restricted free agent, meaning the Brisbane Lions can match the Eagles’ offer, potentially leading to a trade agreement.
Walker Likely to Extend Career
Adelaide’s Taylor Walker, an unrestricted free agent, appears set to continue his illustrious AFL career into a 19th season. A meeting with Adelaide officials is expected to finalize the decision soon.
Walker, who scored 39 goals in 23 games this season, has been a key figure in Adelaide’s forward line alongside Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty. His performance has silenced critics who doubted his future after a dip in form last year.
According to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, “it would now be a shock” if Walker didn’t play on, with “all parties expecting” the 301-game former captain to continue.
Walker, affectionately known as ‘Tex,’ had a stellar 2023 season with 76 goals but faced challenges last year, managing only 29 goals in 18 games. His resurgence this year has reaffirmed his value to the team both on and off the field.
As the AFL trade period looms, both the Eagles’ pursuit of Starcevich and Walker’s potential contract extension highlight the strategic moves clubs are making to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.
