West Coast Eagles' Brandon Starcevich Faces Round One Doubt After Training Exit
West Coast Eagles star recruit Brandon Starcevich is now in serious doubt to make his highly anticipated debut in round one after abruptly leaving the training track this morning. The dual Brisbane premiership defender, who joined the Eagles from the Lions after 132 games, was already racing against time to recover from a calf injury ahead of the season opener against Gold Coast at People First Choice Stadium on Sunday, March 15.
Injury Concerns Mount for Starcevich
Starcevich warmed up with his teammates but walked off the field at the start of a full-ground kicking drill, speaking with staff before heading into the clubrooms. This incident adds to an injury-interrupted first pre-season at West Coast, where he has also dealt with an ACL strain. The Eagles have been taking a conservative approach with the 26-year-old, given his history of concussions throughout his career.
High performance manager Phil Merriman stated on Tuesday, "Brandon is progressing as expected through his build. He’s a chance for round one, but given his history, we’re making sure we cover every angle to set him up for an uninterrupted year." However, today's early exit casts further uncertainty over his availability.
Defensive Woes for West Coast
The potential absence of Starcevich exacerbates West Coast's defensive challenges late in the pre-season. Key back Harry Edwards is also pushing to be fit for the season opener after sustaining a concussion in the brutal defeat to Port Adelaide on Sunday. Additionally, breakout star Reuben Ginbey is battling a toe injury and has yet to join the main group, while Brady Hough (ankle) and co-captain Liam Duggan (concussion) are making strides to be ready for the Suns.
West Coast is already without co-captain Liam Baker, who will serve a one-match suspension from an incident in their final game of last year against Sydney. This opens up an opportunity for first-round draftee Josh Lindsay to make his debut after an impressive outing against the Power, where he racked up 22 disposals and a goal across half-back.
Opportunities for Other Players
The likely absence of Starcevich could provide a reprieve for premiership defender Tom Cole, who is facing a make-or-break year as he is out of contract at the end of this season. Cole played only 18 games last season, having been dropped for the first time since 2019 after the round four defeat to Greater Western Sydney. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal late last year and is one of only four players left on the Eagles list from the 2018 flag, alongside Duggan and veterans Elliot Yeo and Jamie Cripps.
As the Eagles prepare for their season opener, the team's depth and resilience will be tested with multiple key defenders sidelined or under injury clouds. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Starcevich's recovery and the overall defensive lineup in the lead-up to round one.
