West Coast have placed a bold six-year contract in front of Brisbane premiership defender Brandon Starcevich, hoping to lure the 26-year-old back to his home state of Western Australia.
The Eagles’ move, revealed by Perth journalist Ryan Daniels, comes as the Lions push for a fourth consecutive preliminary final appearance while still working to lock down Starcevich, whose negotiations have stretched into the late stages of the season.
Brisbane are understood to be “very keen” to keep him at the Gabba, but the scale of West Coast’s offer puts real pressure on their retention hopes.
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Free agency complications
As a restricted free agent, the Lions retain the right to match any rival deal for Starcevich. If they chose to do so, the Eagles would be forced into trade discussions to secure the defender’s signature.
The move also carries added intrigue, given it could water down West Coast’s compensation package for forward Oscar Allen, who is expected to command a top-end pick should he leave.
Starcevich, a premiership player and one of Brisbane’s most reliable options across half-back, spent two months sidelined earlier this year due to concussion but remains highly valued for his defensive craft and resilience. Whether he stays loyal to the Lions or returns to Perth could be one of the defining storylines of this year’s player movement period.