West Coast List Manager Matt Clarke recaps West Coast’s trade period so far
By westcoasteagles.com.au
Head of List Management and Recruiting Matt Clarke is pleased with West Coast’s trade period haul so far, having secured a key talent while staying focused on long-term growth.
The headline signing of two-time premiership defender Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane was a major positive for the club, with Clarke praising Starcevich’s character and the process behind the deal.
“He’s very competitive, a determined player who will bring great standards to our group,” Clarke told Trade Radio on Friday.
“The way he trains and plays will give real confidence to the players down back.”
Clarke confirmed the club worked closely with Brisbane’s medical team and Starcevich’s management to ensure all parties were aligned on his health and readiness.
“We had great dialogue with our medical staff and theirs, and we’re comfortable with where everything sits,” he said.
The Eagles also facilitated Liam Ryan’s move to St Kilda, farewelled free agent Oscar Allen in return for pick two in the draft, and finalised a trade that sent Campbell Chesser to Carlton, giving the young midfielder a fresh opportunity.
On the defensive front, Clarke confirmed that Richmond’s Tylar Young is the club’s priority, with a deal close to being finalised.
“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.”
Talks are also ongoing with Brisbane over Deven Robertson, who is eager to return to WA.
“Dev wants to come across. He’s a tough midfielder with good standards and attitude and he’ll be a great addition to our group,” Clarke said.
Clarke emphasised the importance of balancing youth with experience, saying the senior additions are crucial in providing leadership and a strong on-field presence to support the team’s development.
“We’re looking at where our list is at from an age demographic. We’d love some more senior depth in those roles,” Clarke said.
“It’s been a real target to bring in those senior guys to keep the standards high. Guys like Jack Graham, Liam Baker, Matt Owies, and Matt Flynn have already had a good impact at our club.”
Despite strong interest from rival clubs, Clarke said the Eagles are committed to using their top draft picks.
West Coast can shape the draft next month with the first two selections for the first time in the club’s history.
“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.