Starcevich eyes Origin return after grand final knock
Shayne Hope |
AFL premiership defender Brandon Starcevich is set to play his first match since his grand final head knock when he lines up for Western Australia in the State Of Origin clash with Victoria.
Starcevich, who was traded from Brisbane to West Coast in October, was on Thursday named in the WA squad alongside fellow departed Lions flag winner Callum Ah Chee (Adelaide).
Mitch Georgiades (Port Adelaide), Lawson Humphries (Geelong), Rory Lobb (Western Bulldogs), Trent Rivers (Melbourne) and Wil Powell (Gold Coast) have also been picked for the February 14 showpiece at Optus Stadium.
Starcevich, a two-time premiership defender, has a history of concussion issues and missed almost two months of football this year as a result.
The 26-year-old sat out the end of the Lions’ grand final win over Geelong in September after another head knock in a collision with Ollie Dempsey, which sparked concern over his future in the game.
After his trade to West Coast in October, Starcevich said he was “good to go” and would take a cautious approach with his return to football over summer.
On Thursday, Starcevich said he was “extremely proud” to be picked in the WA squad to take on Victoria.
“I’m very honoured to be given the opportunity,” Starcevich said in a statement.
“It will be good to see Optus Stadium decked out in black and gold, hopefully. I think it definitely gives us a bit of an edge to be playing at home.
“Sam Taylor is a good mate of mine so I’m keen to play with him again, and just keen to play alongside all the elite WA talent.
“I’m really excited to be a party of the renewal of the rivalry between the states.
“It will certainly mean a little bit more to all involved and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and the build up to the game.”
WA have confirmed 21 players in the squad to take on Victoria, with the remainder to be named next year.
Former Adelaide captain and current assistant coach Nathan van Berlo has joined the WA coaching panel under Sydney’s Dean Cox.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir will also serve as an assistant to Cox.
AAP
