In a significant development ahead of the highly anticipated AFL Origin clash, the West Coast Eagles have opted to withdraw recruit Brandon Starcevich from the Western Australian squad. This decision comes as the final 25-man team for the blockbuster exhibition match against Victoria at Optus Stadium has been officially locked in.
Injury Concerns Sideline Key Defender
Starcevich, a dual premiership backman who joined the Eagles as a free agency pick-up from Brisbane, had been earmarked for a crucial defensive role in next Saturday's Origin fixture. However, the 26-year-old is currently managing a minor strain in his anterior cruciate ligament, which he sustained last month. Having only just returned to main training this week, he has not been deemed fully fit for the demanding contest.
In an official team selection statement, the AFL clarified that Starcevich's withdrawal was due to the Eagles' reluctance to allow him to play the required game time. It remains uncertain whether the defender will be available for West Coast's upcoming match simulation against Fremantle in Cockburn on February 21 or the pre-season clash with Port Adelaide the following weekend.
Final Squad Additions Bolster WA Line-up
As the squad was finalised, several notable inclusions were confirmed, as previously indicated by The West Australian. Eagles spearhead Jake Waterman and Fremantle veteran Jaeger O'Meara were among the last players added to the roster. They join other high-profile call-ups, including Western Bulldogs ruck star Tim English, Richmond's three-time premiership defender Nathan Broad, and GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio.
O'Meara's selection means Fremantle will have the strongest representation of any AFL club in the WA squad, with four players set to line up for the Black Swans. Alongside O'Meara, Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton, and Jordan Clark will all feature, while Dockers teammate Caleb Serong has been named in the Victorian squad, which will be finalised later this week.
Club Representation and Notable Omissions
The WA Origin squad showcases a diverse spread of talent from across the competition. GWS and the Western Bulldogs each contribute three players, while West Coast and Melbourne supply two apiece. Other clubs with single representatives include Carlton, Sydney, Brisbane, Hawthorn, Collingwood, Adelaide, St Kilda, Geelong, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Richmond.
Notably, North Melbourne and Essendon are the only clubs without any players in the WA line-up. In a surprising omission, former West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen, now with Brisbane, missed selection in a key-forward group that features Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, Aaron Naughton, Mitch Georgiades, and the newly added Jake Waterman.
Coaching Panel Takes Shape
Off the field, the WA coaching panel has been bolstered by the addition of Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty. The unit will be led by Sydney coach Dean Cox and also includes Dockers' coach Justin Longmuir and Adelaide assistant Jay van Berlo. This experienced group will convene next week to prepare for the exhibition clash.
WA's 25-Player Origin Squad by Club Representation:
- Fremantle: Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton, Jordan Clark, Jaeger O'Meara
- Western Bulldogs: Aaron Naughton, Tim English, Rory Lobb
- GWS: Sam Taylor, Jesse Hogan, Stephen Coniglio
- West Coast: Liam Baker, Jake Waterman
- Melbourne: Kysaiah Pickett, Trent Rivers
- Carlton: Patrick Cripps (captain)
- Sydney: Chad Warner
- Brisbane: Charlie Cameron
- Hawthorn: Tom Barrass
- Collingwood: Darcy Cameron
- Adelaide: Callum Ah Chee
- St Kilda: Bradley Hill
- Geelong: Lawson Humphries
- Port Adelaide: Mitch Georgiades
- Gold Coast: Wil Powell
- Richmond: Nathan Broad
With the squad now set, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling AFL Origin encounter, showcasing the best talent from Western Australia against their Victorian counterparts.
