West Coast have added a serious dose of class and steel to their backline, acquiring Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane in a three-way deal also involving Fremantle. The Eagles secured Starcevich along with Picks 12, 33, and 52, while the Lions received a haul of mid-range picks (16, 22, 44, 50) and the Dockers picked up extra second-rounders (19, 23, 46) to strengthen their draft hand.
It’s a win-now and win-later move for a club intent on rebuilding the right way — not by gambling on unknowns, but by importing a proven competitor who raises the floor for everyone around him.
Why Starcevich fits perfectly
Starcevich is a defender who thrives on accountability. Week after week, he’s taken the opposition’s most dangerous medium or small forward and reduced them to anonymity. Yet he also has the leg strength and pace to rebound cleanly from defensive 50, making him more than just a stopper.
For the Eagles, that means:
- Reliable matchups every week — A player who can handle mid-sized power forwards or crafty goal-sneaks, freeing teammates to focus on intercept play.
- A foundation for structure — Starcevich’s positioning and discipline help coach Adam Simpson organise a younger, evolving defensive unit.
- Culture and example — He plays hard but fair, a tone-setter for standards and preparation.
How it changes West Coast’s backline
The arrival of Starcevich lets the Eagles rebalance. Players like Rhett Bazzo and Brady Hough can now develop with less pressure, knowing they have a defensive general beside them. It also allows Jeremy McGovern to play more aggressively as an interceptor, confident that Starcevich can hold ground behind.
Expect West Coast to adopt more one-on-one contests and trust their system; Starcevich’s presence makes that viable.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 08: Brandon Starcevich of the Lions celebrates a goal during the round 17 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles at The Gabba, on July 08, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The wider trade ripple
For Brisbane, this was a list-management necessity. With multiple stars on long-term deals and the need to rejuvenate through the draft, cashing in a premium defender for four picks was pragmatic. Fremantle, meanwhile, stockpiled ammunition to target specific needs in November.
The bottom line
Brandon Starcevich isn’t the kind of signing that breaks headlines for flair — but he’s exactly the kind that rebuilds teams from the ground up. Reliable, relentless, and respected, he gives the Eagles something they haven’t had in years: defensive certainty.
