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BRISBANE say Brandon Starcevich’s hard edge prompted the decision to hand him his AFL debut against the Kangaroos at the Gabba.
Starcevich’s quiet personality, coach Chris Fagan has called him a man of few words, belies a fierce competitiveness and the Lions believe he will relish the physical approach of North Melbourne’s big bodied midfielders. “He’s been in good form and he is a strong bodied player and it should suit the environment we’ll be in,’’ Fagan said.
Starcevich said his debut was a dream come true and he was pleased he had managed to force his way into the side with a sustained run of good form.
“It means a lot to me and my family and it is a huge privilege to play for the Lions,’’ he said.
“My expectations were that I would have to work very hard on my game to earn a spot in this team because I knew the opportunity wasn’t going to be given to me because of the amount of talent we have at the club at the moment and that I would have to earn it.’’
BRISBANE has locked away the entire 2017 first-round draft class after Brandon Starcevich celebrated his debut last week by inking a two-year contract extension. The 19-year-old has held his place in the team to take on Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, capping off what he admits was a huge week.
Starcevich made his AFL debut against the Kangaroos in the Lions’ three-point lossat the Gabba on Saturday. Coach Chris Fagan said he may have taken some time to adjust to the frantic tempo of the game but improved as the contest wore on and earned another game based on his defensive work and how he stood his ground against the physical Kangaroos’ midfielders.
“He was good in his first game, tough enough and that was what we wanted to see,’’ he said. “He put his head over the footy.’’
Starcevich described the past week as a rollercoaster of emotions. “It’s been filled with nerves, anxiety and a bit of excitement. It’s been unreal, probably one of the best weeks of my life to be honest,” he said. “I was happy here, it was just a decision of whether I wanted to stay here for another two years. “In the end it was an easy decision (to extend contract).”
The West Australian hammered down the door to the senior side with superb form in the NEAFL. He was close to selection against Hawthorn in Launceston where he travelled with the team as an emergency, an experience he says also influenced his decision.
“I’ve been loving my time here so far ... I think once I got a taste of senior footy and flew down to Tasmania for the Hawks game, all those experiences made me very settled and this is where I want to be,’’ he said. “I love the direction the club is heading in as well, I want to be a part of it.”
Lions footy manager David Noble said Starcevich had a hunger to learn and had improved every week since he arrived at the club. “His debut last week was a testament to that growth,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see another young player sign up long-term, it shows they believe in where we are headed.”
#37 - Brandon Starcevich
Strong performances in the NEAFL throughout the year saw Brandon Starcevich get his first taste of Senior football in Round 20 in front of a home crowd. It was a huge week for the 19-year-old who extended his contract for a further two years only six days after making his debut.
A highlight of Starcevich's season was his first AFL goal during the Lions' heated QClash win over Gold Coast in Round 22. Starcevich was a valuable contributor to the NEAFL side's forward line and midfield earlier in the season, averaging 16 disposals and five tackles a match, over 15 NEAFL matches.
Ahead of his second pre-season at the Lions, supporters will be looking forward to seeing the results that come from the powerful young midfielder in 2019.
Senior matches: 4, NEAFL matches: 15
Pick 18: Brandon Starcevich
Got his chance late in the season with four games as a half-forward. A midfielder by trade, Starcevich is good in tight spaces and strong over the ball. Is a bit down the pecking order in the midfield rotation, but more development next year won't hurt him.
Brisbane Lions defender Brandon Starcevich is set to miss the first eight weeks of the 2019 season after a medical review determined further damage to his injured hamstring.
An issue around his muscular tendon junction was reviewed, with surgery being determined to be the best course of action, which he had yesterday in Melbourne. Starcevich sustained the injury during the first quarter of the Lions’ pre-season practice match against Casey.
“It’s a real shame for Starce because he had such a great pre-season,” General Manager of Football David Noble said. “After some further investigation by our medical team the injury turned out to be worse than first thought, so we sent him down to Melbourne for surgery.”
Best chance: Brandon Starcevich
With a settled team and a bit more experience sitting on the outside waiting to break in, it's hard to see too many eligible Lions playing a big role in 2019. Starcevich was in-line to play round one before his recent hamstring injury and although he's a few weeks away from returning, still looks the best bet. Showed his versatility in four senior games last year and trained all pre-season in defence. The West Australian is strong over the ball, composed and should get his chance once fit.
Strange feeling this year trying not to care too much about the rising star when it has been a bit of a focus in previous years.
really nice guy met him with my kids at a family day and went out of his way to chat to them.Set to return from injury this week. Can’t wait to see him back in the seniors. One of the better talents on our list imo.
EACH team usually has at least one every pre-season.
The eye-catching player that is running better, lifting heavier or looking more polished in team drills.
The player that looks different to when you last saw him the previous season.
For Brisbane, that player is Brandon Starcevich.
He has been fantastic this season. He is very, very good in one on one contests. Such a ferocious, competitive beast. He tackles with so much aggression. Can anyone else see him becoming a very handy midfielder one day or is it just me?
Watch West Coast come hard for him.I think we should just allow this young man find his feet down back. If he can help build our defense to be rock solid then let him stay there. A Nick Vlaustin type would be great as a tough uncompromising hard to beat defender. Will go along way to helping our ‘squad’.
How insightful this article turned out to be!
Watch West Coast come hard for him.