Brandon Starcevich keen to win AFL premiership with Brisbane Lions

A Brisbane defender is desperate to go one step further with the Lions after the agony of losing this year’s AFL grand final.

The chance to be part of “something special” with the Brisbane Lions has convinced talented defender Brandon Starcevich to extend his stay with the beaten AFL grand finalists.

Already contracted until the end of the 2024 season, Starcevich has signed an extension that will keep him at the Lions until at least the completion of Brisbane’s 2025 campaign.

Starcevich, 24, is keen to take the next step with Brisbane after being part of the Lions team that lost this year’s grand final by only four points to Collingwood.

Lions defender Brandon Starcevich (left) tackles Collingwood’s Bobby Hill during this year’s AFL grand final. Picture: Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“After playing in the grand final and getting so close to a premiership, it shows the club is on the verge of something special and I want to play a part in that,” Starcevich said.

“We have an exciting list made up of a great group of guys who I love playing with, and I am glad to get to do that for at least the next two years.

“Although we were grand finalists this season, there’s still plenty of improvement in myself and the team, so I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can achieve.”

Picked by the Lions at No.18 in the 2017 draft, Starcevich has made 97 AFL appearances, with 92 of them coming in the past four seasons as the Perth product has made himself a permanent member of Brisbane’s defensive unit.

Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said keeping players of Starcevich’s ilk was “very important” for the club’s future.

“Brandon has played a key role in helping the club get back to the top end of the ladder and we are thrilled to have him recommit as we aim for future success,” Daly said.

“He is coming off another strong season where he finished top five in our best and fairest (votes) as a key player in our defensive end.”