Former Lions star winless at Eagles, but still loves it

Justin Chadwick | July 11, 2026

He’s gone from winning two straight flags to being winless as an Eagle, but hard-nosed defender Brandon Starcevich predicts big things are to come at West Coast.

Starcevich made the tough decision to leave Brisbane at the end of last year after appearing in three straight grand finals and winning two flags with the Lions.

The lure to return home to Perth on a four-year deal and help nurture West Coast in their rebuilding phase proved too hard to resist, despite enjoying a 70 per cent winning ratio in his 132 games at the Lions.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing so far out west, with a serious calf injury keeping Starcevich sidelined until round 13.

It means he has missed all four of West Coast’s wins so far this season, with his individual record as an Eagle currently standing at 0-4.

Starcevich will be hoping that all changes in Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

But even if it doesn’t, Starcevich joined West Coast with the long-term picture in mind, and the 26-year-old is full of optimism a bright future awaits the youngest squad in the league.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Starcevich said.

“There’s heaps of talent in the building, and that talent combined with that willingness to learn and grow – these kids are going to be just fine in a few years.

“They’re an energetic bunch, which is really good, they sort of keep you up and about.”

West Coast (4-12) are on a four-match losing streak and will start as big underdogs against a Bulldogs outfit that are 9-7 and aiming to finish in the top six rather than the lottery of the wildcard finals round.

The Bulldogs initially made five changes for Sunday’s match, but it became six on Saturday when ruckman Tim English was ruled out with an unspecified injury.

English struggled in last week’s loss to Sydney, and wasn’t able to convince the Bulldogs he would be right to play against West Coast.

His late injury withdrawal comes on top of Nick Coffield (concussion), Connor Budarick (ankle) and Ryley Sanders (hand) being ruled out.

The Eagles have become renowned for their fast finishes this season, but their starts have been horrific – losing 13 out of 16 first quarters this year.

“We know we’re a fit group and we can run out games well,” Starcevich said.

“But it’d be nice to not have to chase the game.”