Lions defender Starcevich to miss AFL opener with concussion
Brandon Starcevich’s concussion will heighten debate around AFL players pushing opponents into marking contests, with the Brisbane premiership defender to miss the side’s season opener.
Starcevich had to be helped from the field on Thursday night after his collision in the second term of the three-point loss to Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena.
Given the league’s concussion protocols and the Lions hosting Geelong next Thursday night in the opening game of the season, there is no way Starcevich will be ready.
Lions assistant coach Stuart Dew defended Adelaide forward Dan Curtin, who pushed Starcevich into the marking contest.
It comes a few days after West Coast player Reuben Ginbey similarly pushed Richmond’s number one draft pick Sam Lalor.
The collision that followed left Lalor with a broken jaw and concussion, but there was no AFL match review action taken against Ginbey.
“It was an unfortunate incident — he obviously got pushed into contact — not much you can do about it,” Dew said of Starcevich’s injury.
“I’m sure it will be looked at … I don’t think there’s any malice in it, they are just trying to contest the ball.
“Sometimes players are going to get it wrong.”
Starcevich was the only casualty in an entertaining pre-season clash. Brisbane led for most of the game, only to blow a 22-point lead midway through the final term and succumb 14.13 (97) to 13.16 (94).
Adelaide kicked the last four goals of the game and then Lions duo Jaspa Fletcher and Cam Rayner missed gettable set shots in the final few minutes.
The two teams would have gained what they wanted out of the match, with Brisbane key forward Eric Hipwood returning from injury and kicking two goals.
Levi Ashcroft, the younger brother of Norm Smith Medallist Will, firmed for a round-one debut with his game, which featured a goal in the final term.
The Crows badly need a strong start and the win caps their encouraging pre-season.
All Adelaide’s key newcomers had solid hit-outs — former GWS pair James Peatley and Isaac Cumming, new vice-captain and ex-Melbourne player Alex Neal-Bullen, and number four draft pick Sid Draper.
Coming on in the second half, Draper was prominent through the midfield and he also looks ready for a round-one AFL debut.
AAP
