West Coast star recruit Brandon Starcevich sent for scans in further doubt for round one Eagles debut

High-profile West Coast recruit Brandon Starcevich is almost certain to miss the season opener and will have scans on his troublesome calf after he left training early on Wednesday morning. Starcevich was already racing the clock to be fit to take on Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Sunday, March 15, because of a calf injury he’d been dealing with in recent weeks. The Brisbane dual premiership defender now seems set to miss the clash against the Suns, having left the training track at the start of a full ground kicking drill, speaking to staff before walking into the clubrooms. West Coast confirmed on Wednesday afternoon he had some calf awareness and would need scans on Wednesday night to determine the severity of the injury. Starcevich has had an injury-interrupted first pre-season at the Eagles since joining them from the Lions after 132 games, having also dealt with an ACL strain. West Coast were already taking a conservative approach with the 26-year-old, who has also dealt with a series of concussions throughout his career. “Brandon is progressing as expected through his build,” high performance manager Phil Merriman said on Tuesday. “He’s a chance for round one, but given his history, we’re making sure we cover every angle to set him up for an uninterrupted year.” West Coast’s defensive stocks have been dealt several blows late in the pre-season, with key back Harry Edwards also pushing to be fit for the season opener because of a concussion he sustained in the brutal defeat to Port Adelaide on Sunday. Breakout star Reuben Ginbey is battling a toe injury and is yet to join the main group, while Brady Hough (ankle) and co-captain Liam Duggan (concussion) appear to be making strides as they push to take on the Suns. The Eagles are already without co-captain Liam Baker who will serve a one-match suspension from an incident in their final game of last year against Sydney. It opens up the chance for first-round draftee Josh Lindsay to make his debut after an impressive outing against the Power, racking up 22 disposals and a goal across half-back. The potential absence of Starcevich is likely to give a reprieve to premiership defender Tom Cole who is facing a make-or-break year given he is out of contract at the end of this season. Cole played only 18 games last season, having been dropped for the first time since 2019 after their round four defeat to Greater Western Sydney smashing. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal late last year and is one of only four players left on the Eagles list from the 2018 flag alongside Duggan as well as veterans Elliot Yeo and Jamie Cripps.