Deven Robertson: West Coast Eagles recruit suffers ACL rupture, out for rest of 2026 season

Deven Robertson’s season is over, with scans revealing the West Coast recruit ruptured his ACL during the Eagles’ Gather Round loss to Geelong.

The midfielder landed awkwardly while fighting for the footy at a stoppage in the final quarter and appeared in immediate pain.

The 24-year-old had the worst case scenario confirmed on Monday, with his 2026 campaign ended after just four games due to the setback to his left knee.

“We’re incredibly disappointed for Dev,” Eagles head of football John Worsfold said.

“He has made a significant impact since joining the club last November and has been outstanding in the way he has gone about his football.

“He’s an ultimate professional, and we have no doubt he will attack his rehabilitation with the same commitment he brings every day. The club will support him fully throughout his recovery.”

Robertson had made an impressive start to his West Coast career having joined the club over the off-season after struggling for opportunities across six seasons at Brisbane.

After racking up 12 tackles in the Eagles’ season opener, Robertson collected an equal team-high 14 contested possessions in the team’s Round 2 win over North Melbourne amid bolstering the team’s midfield grunt.

The 52-gamer has been the club’s third-most used midfielder at centre ball-ups, behind only Harley Reid and Tim Kelly, but will now turn his attention to rehab ahead of targeting a 2027 return for the second season of his two-year West Coast deal.

The setback continues a disrupted start to 2026 for several key members of the Eagles squad.

Elliot Yeo has missed the past two matches due to an adductor injury ahead of a potential return to the line-up for Sunday’s western derby clash with Fremantle, Milan Murdock has been out for three weeks with a hamstring issue, while Elijah Hewett played his first game of the season against the Cats after overcoming a quad injury.

Brandon Starcevich is unlikely to feature until the second half of the campaign as he works to shake off a lingering calf issue, with Harry Edwards (concussion) also on the sidelines. Noah Long (knee) and Jacob Newton (foot) have already been ruled out for the season with long-term injuries.