West Coast recruit Brandon Starcevich says he has no worries about his concussion history after completing his trade from the Brisbane Lions to the Eagles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Starcevich, who missed almost two months of football this year due to concussion, sat out the end of the grand final after a heavy collision with Geelong’s Ollie Dempsey, sparking concern about his future in the game.<\/p>\n
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Starcevich has suffered several consussions during his career (AAP Image\/Jono Searle)<\/p>\n
But the dual-premiership defender says he didn’t suffer a concussion in that incident.<\/p>\n
“A cautious approach with it all [sitting out the end of the grand final],” Starcevich told ABC Perth’s Summer Sportstalk.<\/p>\n
“No need to take a risk, especially with me I think was most of it.”<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old, who moved from to the Eagles in a three-way trade, has consulted several experts to ensure he can keep playing in the AFL.<\/p>\n
“With all the feedback I’ve gotten around my situation, I’m fairly positive that I’m fine and good to go,” he said.<\/p>\n
“All the professionals I spoke to when I had that bit of time off at the start of the year sort of ticked me off and said I was fine.<\/p>\n
“I’ve had no lingering issues or anything, so I’m pretty positive about the whole thing.”<\/p>\n
From premiers to wooden spooners<\/p>\n
Starcevich’s decision to return to Perth was sparked by conversations had at the end of the 2024 season, as he entered the last year of his Brisbane contract.<\/p>\n
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Starcevich played 132 games for the Lions since debuting in 2018. (AAP Image\/Darren England)<\/p>\n
“I thought I’d like to explore it a little bit and the idea of potentially coming back to Perth and playing, being back among your friends and family, was very appealing,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The appeal of the young talent that is at the Eagles and starting that climb back up the ladder is definitely a new challenge, sort of a fresh adventure.”<\/p>\n
The East Perth product conceded he’d miss Brisbane after giving up the chance to go for a third-straight premiership with the club, but was always heading home.<\/p>\n
“I made my mind up and there was never anything that was going to change it,” he said of his decision to move.<\/p>\n
“It’s better to go out winning it. I think losing it would probably feel a little bit more empty, but it’s nice I got to go out on a high.”<\/p>\n