Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson has officially nominated West Coast as his preferred new home, in a move that could become one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming AFL trade period. The 23-year-old, who has shown promise as a hard-nosed on-baller for the Lions, is seeking greater opportunity and a return to his home state of Western Australia.
Robertson, originally drafted by Brisbane with pick 22 in the 2019 AFL Draft, has built a reputation for his toughness, endurance, and relentless work ethic. While he has played valuable roles in big games — even featuring in Brisbane’s recent finals campaigns — he has struggled to cement himself as a consistent member of Chris Fagan’s midfield rotation, which is already stacked with the likes of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, and Josh Dunkley.
For Robertson, the decision to nominate West Coast is about more than football. A Perth product, he has long been viewed as a natural fit for a WA club, and the Eagles are in desperate need of young, competitive midfield talent as they look to rebuild from the ground up. His ability to apply defensive pressure and his willingness to put his body on the line could make him an instant fan favourite at Optus Stadium.
The move now places pressure on Brisbane and West Coast to negotiate a deal. While the Lions will be reluctant to lose a player with Robertson’s upside, they may see value in securing draft assets to further strengthen their list. For the Eagles, landing Robertson would signal intent to fast-track their rebuild with players who can contribute immediately, rather than relying solely on raw draftees.
If the deal goes through, Robertson could become a central figure in West Coast’s midfield resurgence, marking a fresh chapter for both player and club.
