There’s concerns around Brandon Starcevich’s future after the Lions defender suffered another head knock in the 2025 AFL Grand Final against Geelong.
Starcevich collided with Ollie Dempsey’s shoulder in a contest in the third quarter after Dempsey was nudged by Callum Ah Chee.
The reliable Lions backman, who has a history of concussions, was immediately treated to by medicos before coming off the ground and going down to the rooms in sad scenes before being subbed out of the game.
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Brandon Starcevich came from the ground after a head knock.Source: FOX SPORTSBrandon Starcevich came off worse for wear.Source: FOX SPORTSBrandon Starcevich came from the ground after a head knock.Source: FOX SPORTS
Brisbane had already activated its sub, with Lachie Neale coming on for Sam Marshall at half-time.
There’s now uncertainty around Starcevich’s future in the game given he missed around two months earlier this season due to concussion.
“This is a story. He’s had many concussions,” Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon told Fox Footy.
“That’s the thing. If there is a concussion now with Starcevich, they’ve already made their sub and they’ve brought Lachie Neale on. They’re one down.
“That doesn’t look good.”
The brutal comeback comes with Starcevich, 26, out of contract and linked with a move to West Coast, who’s reportedly offered the West Australian a six-year deal.
“I think Brandon Starcevich is more likely to accept a six-year deal at West Coast,” Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph said earlier on Fox Footy.
“He’s got a two-year deal at Brisbane, but if they won a flag, would he be thinking to himself: ‘Maybe I chase the three-peat.’ He will have to work through that in the next week or so.”
MORE TO COME.