Fremantle Dockers should be more aggressive in finals; West Coast Eagles face worrying trend with Oscar Allen’s departure
The worrying trend lurking behind Allen’s au revoir
At the front bar of the Ocean Beach Hotel yesterday, Oscar Allen sat carefree enjoying drinks with his soon-to-be former teammates.
It came days after the co-captain informed the club he wanted out, in preference of joining reigning premiers Brisbane next year as a free agent.
West Coast’s Oscar Allen is almost certain to leave the club for Brisbane.Credit: Getty Images
Allen’s departure was arguably the worst-kept secret of 2025.
It’s fair to say the 26-year-old has felt uncomfortable since he was wheeled out to front the media with the Eagles’ head of football John Worsfold in April after a meeting with Sam Mitchell was made public.
It was awkward and unusual at the time and seems even more so upon reflection.
Truth is, West Coast have been reluctant to field a genuine offer to keep Allen. They have intel on his body, which continues to break down, and were hesitant to make a long-term commitment to a player who has kicked more than 30 goals in one of seven seasons.
The move is beneficial for all parties.
Allen gets a fresh start, long-term security at a club in the premiership window and feels wanted.
West Coast are set to receive “band one” compensation – pick two – in this year’s draft and nine-gamer Jobe Shanahan is shaping as a very handy replacement.
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But one thing which is concerning is the loss of another West Australian who has opted out.
Last year, Tom Barrass left his home state, packing up to call Hawthorn home.
Jack Darling did the same, landing at the Kangaroos, with the Eagles happy to clear some of his salary.
Allen is the third to move on within 12 months. While he may not be the last this off-season – premiership player Liam Ryan is heavily being linked with St Kilda – the Eagles must ensure this doesn’t become a trend.
Luring non-WA top-end talent west is almost unheard of – similar to once losing your local home-grown stars to interstate rivals.
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