Eagles confirm star free agent’s plans on future
Anna Harrington |
West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is set to join premiers Brisbane after officially informing the Eagles of his plans to depart as a free agent.
Allen has long been expected to head to the Lions in 2026 and confirmed earlier this week that talks with the Eagles had broken down.
On Sunday, the Eagles officially confirmed the 26-year-old restricted free agent’s intentions.
“During a respectful and engaging end of season meeting with our coach Andrew McQualter, head of football John Worsfold and myself on Friday, Oscar informed us of his intention to explore free agency,” list boss Matt Clarke said in a statement.
“As Oscar is a restricted free agent, we retain the right to match any offer made to him by another club and Oscar understands that.
“We will work through the next steps in this process as they unfold, assess our options and make a considered decision.”
If the Lions offer a bumper deal to Allen, which would likely deliver pick No.2 in compensation, the Eagles would be unlikely to match it and force a trade.
Allen’s year has proved difficult on and off the field.
In April, Allen issued an apology to Eagles fans after coming under fire for a private meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell that became public knowledge, before taking time off citing mental health reasons.
The West Australian also battled with form and was shifted to defence for a few games.
He injured his achilles in round 14, before undergoing season-ending surgery on his troublesome knee.
On Thursday, Allen made it clear it was unlikely he would stay at West Coast, where he has kicked 151 goals in 105 games since 2018.
“Clearly I haven’t signed a contract with the club. Negotiations have kind of broken down to a certain extent,” Allen told Mix 94.5.
Allen has been linked with Brisbane, who have also been chasing Essendon ruckman Sam Draper, for months.
Brisbane can lodge an offer when the free agency period opens on October 3 and if the Eagles don’t match it, Allen can walk to the reigning premiers.
He looms as a replacement for Joe Daniher, who retired after last year’s grand final triumph.
AAP
