Out-of-contract Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson is heading back to Western Australia, and has nominated West Coast as his preferred destination, despite interest from the Western Bulldogs.
Robertson fell out of favour in the past two years following the inclusions of the Ashcroft brothers, as well as Sam Marshall and Bruce Reville.
The 24-year-old played six games in the past two years, but was a significant contributor in 2021 and 2023, playing 16 matches in each season, including the 2023 decider.
The Eagles have retained their interest from two years ago, when Robertson opted to remain at the Lions following the grand final defeat, penning a new extension.
Story with @CalTwomey - Brisbane's Dev Robertson has nominated West Coast as his preferred home. The midfielder had interest from the Western Bulldogs, but will be heading back to WA. @AFLcomau @traderadio
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) October 2, 2025
The Bulldogs came hard for the former Pick 22 to help bolster their midfield stocks, as well as for life after Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli.
However, the lure of a return to his home state as well as likely more senior opportunities at West Coast has him firmly set on a move across the nation.
"Robertson's request comes two years after the Eagles attempted to land Dev Robertson when he was last out of contract," AFL Media's Riley Beveridge said on AFL Trade Radio.
"He ultimately elected to stay on a two-year deal at Brisbane. He had just played in a losing Grand Final at the end of 2023, so probably thought there were more opportunities for him. He's played only six games in the two years since doing that though.
"He had some pretty significant interest from the Western Bulldogs earlier this week as well, but he has now chosen West Coast as his preferred home.
"I think the family dynamic played a part in that; he's obviously from Western Australia.
"He has the pull of going home and the option of additional midfield minutes. West Coast being on the front foot for quite some time [played a factor] as well."
The Eagles currently hold Picks 1, 15, 19, 20, 34 and 52, and will likely receive Pick 2 from the Oscar Allen compensation.
Brisbane is also set to farewell premiership heroes Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee.
Starcevich is bound to join the Eagles as a free agent, but could be involved in a trade with Pick 19 (received from the AFL assistance package) to avoid dilution of the Allen compensation.
Ah Chee has requested a move to Adelaide following his second consecutive premiership, and is tipped to sign a five-year deal.
