AFL premiership defender Brandon Starcevich is set to play his first match since his grand final head knock when he lines up for Western Australia in the State Of Origin clash with Victoria.
Starcevich, who was traded from Brisbane to West Coast in October, was on Thursday named in the WA squad alongside fellow departed Lions flag winner Callum Ah Chee (Adelaide).
Brandon Starcevich will line up for WA in next year’s State of Origin match.Credit: AFL Photos
Mitch Georgiades (Port Adelaide), Lawson Humphries (Geelong), Rory Lobb (Western Bulldogs), Trent Rivers (Melbourne) and Wil Powell (Gold Coast) have also been picked for the February 14 showpiece at Optus Stadium.
Starcevich, a two-time premiership defender born in WA who played for East Perth in the WAFL, has a history of concussion issues and missed almost two months of football this year as a result.
The 26-year-old sat out the end of the Lions’ grand final win over Geelong in September after another head knock in a collision with Ollie Dempsey, which sparked concern over his future in the game.
After his trade to West Coast in October, Starcevich said he was “good to go” and would take a cautious approach with his return to football over summer.
On Thursday, Starcevich said he was “extremely proud” to be picked in the WA squad to take on Victoria.
“I’m very honoured to be given the opportunity,” Starcevich said.
“It will be good to see Optus Stadium decked out in black and gold, hopefully. I think it definitely gives us a bit of an edge to be playing at home.