Brandon Starcevich got his first look at Mineral Resources Park ahead of moving back to Perth next month
By westcoasteagles.com.au
Brandon Starcevich says the opportunity to help lead and shape West Coast’s developing players was a factor in his decision to become an Eagle.
Starcevich toured Mineral Resources Park for the first time last week, meeting several of his new teammates and club leaders before making the permanent shift back home next month.
The 26-year-old was a key acquisition for the Eagles during the Trade Period, bringing the experience of two flags, three Grand Finals and 132 games to West Coast’s youthful squad.
“Obviously with the list profile there’s a lot of young guys here already and a few more to come in in a month or so, so really excited about working with those guys and growing my leadership in that space,” Starcevich said.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors and leaders in my time in footy, so being able to pass on some of my wisdom and knowledge.
“I’m really looking forward to helping them and that will help me in turn as well.
“The whole (decision-making) process took 12 months probably and weighing up what I thought was best for me going forward.
“Part of that was coming back to Perth and getting back to the network with friends and family. Very grateful that West Coast opened their arms and let me in.
“Really looking forward to getting to work with this young group who are very talented and there’s a lot of great leaders as well.”
Starcevich bolsters the Eagles’ defensive stocks and will be another valuable mentor for the likes of Reuben Ginbey and Brady Hough, alongside existing backline leaders Liam Duggan and Liam Baker.
“’Reubs’ is an absolute competitor and he looks like he’s developing really well,” Starcevich said.
“He’s had some big jobs as a young kid, so he’s probably fast-tracked his development and Brady Hough as well, he’s probably played a similar role to me over the years and done some very good jobs as well.
“Maybe I might take that role and let him get further up the field potentially, but looking forward to working with those two.”
If the opportunity arises, Starcevich is also eager to explore playing midfield minutes under coach Andrew McQualter.
“There hasn’t been a whole lot of footy talk but that was certainly something that got floated and it was part of the reason why I explored free agency (and eventual trade) was to explore those opportunities further up the ground,” he said.
“I played a lot of footy as a midfielder growing up so really keen to explore those opportunities if they’re there, but I understand I made my name down back and I’m happy to play that role as well.”
The Eagles are set to recruit another tough competitor with leadership qualities next month when they officially add Starcevich’s former Lions teammate Deven Robertson.
Dev’s a ripper. He’s extremely professional, really talented, tries really hard. He’s an absolute beast
Robertson was starved of senior opportunities at Brisbane but was equal best-and-fairest for the VFL team this season, averaging 26 disposals in 15 games, and was part of the 2023 Grand Final team that lost a thriller to Collingwood.
“Dev’s a ripper. He’s extremely professional, really talented, tries really hard. He’s an absolute beast,” Starcevich said.
“He’ll bring that competitive side and he hasn’t had a crack at AFL, he’s been waiting in line behind some decent midfielders at ‘Brissy’.
“His leadership is a great quality of his.”