AFL fans have reacted with mixed emotions after the Brisbane Lions confirmed the departure of six players from their flag-winning team on Thursday – including some massive names. And the Geelong Cats – who the Lions beat in the grand final – have farewelled three players of their own.
There’d been widespread speculation that grand final winners Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Cee would depart the Lions, and coach Chris Fagan confirmed the sad news at the club’s Best and Fairest on Thursday night. Fagan also confirmed that Deven Robertson will depart, while revealing Sam Day has announced his retirement.
Six players are leaving the Brisbane Lions (L), while the retired Mitch Duncan (second from right) is among three departing Geelong. Image: Getty
Starcevich will take up an offer to join West Coast, and Robertson is also looking to join the Eagles. Ah Chee is heading to the Adelaide Crows.
“Cal Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich will take up the option to move to other clubs next year,” Fagan said in his speech at the club’s presentation night. “We all understand why that’s happening.
“We’re incredibly grateful for what they’ve done for our club. I can’t thank those guys enough … they’re real team players. We wish you all the best at your new clubs and hope you do very, very well.”
List manager Dom Ambrogio said: “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. In light of these (trade) requests, we will now work to pursue the best possible outcome for the Brisbane Lions.”
Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich will join Adelaide and West Coast respectively. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Sam Day retires as Brisbane announce two de-listings
Day played 168 AFL games in total, including 13 for the Lions. Fagan thanked him for playing through a fractured wrist in the second half of the season, which he’ll now have surgery to repair.
“Sam is a person of outstanding character that we were fortunate to have at the Brisbane Lions,” Ambrogio said. “During his time with us he has made an extremely selfless contribution to our club both on and off the field and played an important role throughout the season which ultimately resulted in a premiership for the club.”
The Lions announced earlier in the day that Darcy Craven and Brandon Ryan had been de-listed. Ryan only played one game for the Lions at AFL level, while Craven never broke into the top side.
“Both Brandon and Darcy showed potential and improvement during their time with the Brisbane Lions and produced some very good performances at VFL level,” Ambrogio said “We would like to thank all departing players for their tireless effort and valuable contribution to the Brisbane Lions and wish them and their families all the best for the future.”
It follows news that assistant coach Stuart Dew is also leaving to take up a role at Port Adelaide. Dew was part of Fagan’s coaching staff and helped the Lions win back-to-back flags.
Mitch Duncan moves to West Coast as Geelong de-list two
Meanwhile, the Cats have announced that Xavier Ivisic and Patrick Retschko haven’t been offered new contracts for 2026. Neither played for Geelong at AFL level after arriving in the 2024 rookie draft.
“It is always a difficult time of year farewelling players, and both Xavier and Pat were great teammates and contributors to our program,” said Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie. “We thank them for their hard work and dedication, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.”
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Geelong also confirmed that dual premiership player Mitch Duncan has retired and will join West Coast in a coaching role. Duncan won premierships with the Cats in 2011 and 2022, and is a fan favourite in Geelong.
It’s a move home for Duncan, who is originally from Perth but spent the last 16 years in Geelong. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to join the West Coast Eagles and be part of an exciting new chapter for the club,” Duncan said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with a talented playing group and contributing to their development. There’s optimism around the direction the Club is heading, and I’m keen to get started and help drive that growth.
“I’m excited to work under Andrew McQualter and continue expanding my own coaching journey. It’s great to be back home in WA and I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’ll be a challenge convincing my kids to swap their Geelong colours for blue and gold, but I’m sure they’ll come around!”