Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Chris Fagan has admitted the Brisbane Lions are scrambling to prepare for a vastly different West Coast Eagles team before Saturday night’s AFL clash at Optus Stadium. The Brisbane Lions coach has spent extra time studying a young squad that has changed heavily since the clubs last met.

The Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles have gone 483 days without facing each other, dating back to Round 2 last season. West Coast Eagles have since introduced 19 club debutants, with 10 playing in last week’s 16-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

For more AFL news, read how Rowan Marshall trade talk has linked him with the Geelong Cats and follow the official AFL news page for competition updates.

West Coast Eagles Changes Demand Extra Study

“I started looking at West Coast and realised that the team that played their last game, there were 16 players who played here (in Brisbane) early last year that aren’t playing in the team now. So they’ve changed quite dramatically from what we’re accustomed to,” Chris Fagan said.

“I found myself scrambling, watching vision, looking at their players and trying to get an understanding of what their strengths and vulnerabilities are.”

The West Coast Eagles have remained competitive during their list rebuild, including a Round 10 win over the Greater Western Sydney Giants. They also pushed the Western Bulldogs last weekend before falling by 16 points.

Chris Fagan remembers the Brisbane Lions trailing the West Coast Eagles at three-quarter time last season before producing a strong final term. He expects another difficult contest at Optus Stadium, where the home crowd can help the West Coast Eagles build pressure.

Brandon Starcevich Faces Former Club

Brandon Starcevich will face the Brisbane Lions for the first time since joining the West Coast Eagles during last year’s trade period. The dual premiership defender played 132 games across eight seasons with the Brisbane Lions.

“I haven’t given it a great deal of thought. We have massive respect for Starce and the role that he played in our premierships. And the good bloke that he is,” Chris Fagan said.

Chris Fagan suggested Brandon Starcevich could be matched against Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann or Cam Rayner.

“Imagine those two bulls going at each other? That’d be a bit of fun.”