West Coast recruit Brandon Starcevich says the prospect of playing more midfield was a key reason to him exploring free agency.
Starcevich had been mulling over a return to his home state for the past 12 months amid a burgeoning dynasty at Brisbane.
But the idea of playing on-ball was non-existent given the strong contingent Chris Fagan has at his disposal.
Following his second consecutive flag at the Lions, the 26-year-old officially sought a move to the Eagles in a bid to be closer to friends and family, while eyeing more leadership responsibilities and a switch further up the ground.
The pair of clubs welcomed Fremantle into negotiations to help facilitate a deal, which saw West Coast land the 26-year-old as well as Picks 12, 33 and 52.
"There hasn't been a whole lot of footy talk but that was certainly something that got floated and it was part of the reason why I explored free agency (and eventual trade) was to explore those opportunities further up the ground," Starcevich said.
"I played a lot of footy as a midfielder growing up so really keen to explore those opportunities if they're there, but I understand I made my name down back and I'm happy to play that role as well."
The Eagles have been in desperate need for experienced players and leaders after a host of premiership icons have departed the club in recent years.
The acquisition of Richmond duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham 12 months ago helped set the agenda, while the inclusion of Starcevich will reinforce the path they are on.
"Obviously with the list profile there's a lot of young guys here already and a few more to come in in a month or so, so really excited about working with those guys and growing my leadership in that space," Starcevich said.
"I've had a lot of great mentors and leaders in my time in footy, so being able to pass on some of my wisdom and knowledge.
"I'm really looking forward to helping them and that will help me in turn as well.
"The whole (decision-making) process took 12 months probably and weighing up what I thought was best for me going forward.
"Part of that was coming back to Perth and getting back to the network with friends and family. Very grateful that West Coast opened their arms and let me in.
"Really looking forward to getting to work with this young group who are very talented and there's a lot of great leaders as well."
Starcevich noted the impressive development of Reuben Ginbey and Brady Hough, and even floated the idea of pushing the latter further up the ground to develop his game as a midfielder.
"'Reubs' is an absolute competitor and he looks like he's developing really well," Starcevich said.
"He's had some big jobs as a young kid, so he's probably fast-tracked his development and Brady Hough as well, he's probably played a similar role to me over the years and done some very good jobs as well.
"Maybe I might take that role and let him get further up the field potentially, but looking forward to working with those two."
Starcevich also spoke on the prospect of Deven Robertson, who he shared a locker room with at Brisbane.
Robertson was delisted by the Lions after falling out of favour, but will make his way to the Eagles next month as a delisted free agent.
"Dev's a ripper. He's extremely professional, really talented, tries really hard. He's an absolute beast," Starcevich said.
"He'll bring that competitive side and he hasn't had a crack at AFL, he's been waiting in line behind some decent midfielders at ‘Brissy'.
"His leadership is a great quality of his."
