Brandon Starcevich Biography

Lachie Neale joins Brisbane royalty after winning his third Merrett-Murray Medal as the Lions' best and fairest for season 2022.

Neale (66 votes) won the best and fairest count in front of a packed crowd at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from fellow midfielder Hugh McCluggage (59) and under-rated defender Brandon Starcevich (51).

Following a breakout 2020 in which he played 18 games, Brandon Starcevich has become one of the best medium defenders in the competition in 2021.

"He's physical, he's so athletic but he also reads the game very well," McCarthy said.

"He knows when to be a genuine defender, but also knows when he can out-mark you. When it hits the deck, he's so strong. Physically he's a brute."

Brandon Starcevich signs a new four-year deal to remain with the Lions until the end of 2024.

"Being part of the journey for a few years, to see the progress the club's made is pretty exciting," Starcevich said.

Brandon Starcevich is named the 2020 round 13 AFL Rising Star nominee after an impressive performance in Brisbane's two-point win over St Kilda.

The 21-year-old had 10 disposals off half-back as he continued his development as a trusted member of the premiership contender's defence.

After a string of injuries halted any flow in his first two seasons, Brandon Starcevich is having a breakout 2020, mixing lockdown defence with an ability to run off and create with his penetrating kick.

"He does bring that speed and he can play on those types. I would have been hopeful he would have played more games of footy than he has by now, but his first couple of years he's had a lot of injuries," ," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said.

"This year, touch wood, he's been injury free, lined up on a number of good opponents and been able to get the job done."

Brandon Starcevich impresses with his form and fitness during the Lions' pre-season.

"Hopefully I'll play a lot of seniors. The body is feeling good, my skills have been not-too-bad, so hopefully, I'll put my hand up for round one," he said.

"Coming off last year the body was letting me down a bit. It was important this off-season to get as fit and strong as I could so the body could hold up.

"I didn't really feel like going away to be honest, going home was good enough. I've been doing Pilates as well, which has helped a fair bit. It's been very beneficial."

Brandon Starcevich completes a huge week in his young life after extending his contract with Brisbane.

Starcevich added two years to his existing deal and will be at the Lions until at least the end of 2021.

It comes on the back of the 19-year-old making his debut against North Melbourne where he had nine disposals and laid five tackles in Brisbane's three-point loss.

"It's been filled with nerves, anxiety and a bit of excitement. It's been unreal, probably one of the best weeks of my life to be honest," Starcevich said.

"I was happy here, it was just a decision of whether I wanted to stay here for another two years. In the end it was an easy decision."

Brandon Starcevich makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at the Gabba with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs) and 5 tackles in a 3-point loss to North Melbourne.