If the saying actions speak louder than words could only apply to one Lions player, it would be Brandon Starcevich. The West Aussie barely says “Boo” around the Club during the week but come the weekend he has opponents shaking in their boots.

As he approaches his 50 th AFL game against the Kangaroos at the Gabba on Saturday you could count the number of media appearances he’s done in his career to date on one hand. It would require even less digits to tally the goals he’s surrendered to the very best small forwards in the competition in that time. 

Starcevich, fourth in last year’s Merrett-Murray medal, has become a star of the competition and is now considered the premier lock down defender in the game and many experts’ tip to be All Australian in 2022.

07:36

Starcevich: I'm Happy to fly under the radar

Brandon Starcevich doesn't mind too much around the hype of his performances, he is happy just to keep playing his role and stay under the media radar.

We invited him to front the media today and he showed a keen sense of humour when he farewelled the journalists with the line that he’d see them again for his 100th game.

“I leave the limelight to Charlie and Mitch, those guys can lap it up all they want, under the radar is where I like to be, so I try to hide myself away a little bit,’’ he said.

“But I am noticing the extra attention, you go out there on game day and I guess you’re not a surprise to anyone anymore, so I’ve got to figure out new tricks."

“But it is nice recognition, especially from the outside world and from people who have played the game, it is nice to hear but it doesn’t change much from my end.’’

01:06

50 Games For Brandon Starcevich

Brandon Starcevich reaches 50 games of AFL. He has been locking down on the AFL's best small forwards and has started to get the recognition he deserves.

The 22-year-old was a little more forthcoming when asked about his love of the physical contest and taking on the competition’s most damaging goal kickers.

“As much as I can I like to rough it up and hit some bodies,’’ he said.

“I’m a pretty competitive guy, that’s what I’ve built my game off, I love the one-on-one stuff and although its not always pretty stuff down back it certainly gets recognized within our four walls.’’

The Lions have made just one change to the side that defeated Essendon by 22 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. 

Veteran Mitch Robinson returns after serving a one-week suspension and has replaced Harry Sharp who is listed as an emergency.