Brandon Starcevich Debut: Eagles Coach Praises Competition
It's an exciting time for the West Coast Eagles, as they prepare to face Port Adelaide this Saturday night. While the team is looking to build momentum, the focus has also been on the internal competition for spots, a sign of development that coach Andrew McQualter sees as a really positive step. This week, the spotlight is on recruit Brandon Starcevich, who's set to make his club debut after recovering from a calf injury. McQualter himself admits he felt a bit flat having to leave out young defender Josh Lindsay, who's been showing a lot of promise, but he stresses that picking the best team to win each week is the priority.
Josh Lindsay, a 19-year-old who was even a Rising Star nominee back in round 10, has played 11 games this season and is clearly a player with a bright future for the Eagles. McQualter acknowledged this, saying Lindsay will be an incredible player for them in the long run. However, the arrival of experienced recruit Brandon Starcevich, a two-time premiership player with the Brisbane Lions, has created a welcome selection dilemma. Starcevich brings valuable experience and versatility to the Eagles' backline, capable of covering both tall and small opponents.
Also Read:The Eagles are really pleased to have Starcevich in the side and he's already making a leadership impact despite being at the club for a short time. McQualter described him as a quiet guy off the field but someone who becomes very vocal and demanding once he steps onto the oval. His balanced temperament and experience in performing on big occasions are exactly the qualities the club looks for in its leaders. Starcevich has had two runs in the WAFL to regain match fitness after his calf issues and he's expected to play close to his full game time this weekend.
This match against Port Adelaide is shaping up to be a tough contest. The Eagles had a nail-biting two-point win against them earlier in the season and Port Adelaide has been competitive in recent weeks, even in their narrow losses. McQualter warned against looking solely at the ladder standings for Port Adelaide, emphasizing their ability to "slice you up" if given space and time. He also highlighted the recall of young forward-ruck Cooper Duff-Tytler as another positive selection move for the Eagles.
Beyond the senior team, the WAFL Eagles are also seeing new talent emerge, with Jake Miles-Wrency set to play his first game for the club this Saturday. He's a category B rookie, signed before round one and is considered an exciting long-term project player. McQualter noted that Miles-Wrency will be playing as an athletic key defender and that building his endurance will be key, given he hasn't played competitive football for several years. It's these kinds of developments across the entire squad that McQualter believes are crucial for the club's growth and future success.
The focus now turns to Saturday's game against Port Adelaide and how these selection decisions play out on the field. The internal competition and the debut of experienced players like Starcevich signal a shift in the Eagles' approach and their long-term vision. It's a dynamic environment where every player is pushing to prove their worth and contribute to the team's goals. Stay with Mirror 7 News for all updates as they happen.
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