West Coast finds itself in an unusual predicament regarding its captain, Oscar Allen, as discussions arise about whether he should sit out the remainder of the season. This viewpoint, articulated by Essendon great Matthew Lloyd, suggests that not playing Allen could be beneficial for all parties involved. The 26-year-old forward is set to become a free agent at the season’s conclusion and is heavily linked to a potential move to Brisbane, where reports indicate he has received a lucrative six-year offer.
Allen’s absence could allow West Coast to secure a band one compensation pick in the event of his departure, meaning they could potentially gain a first-round draft pick, especially valuable given their current standing at the bottom of the ladder. Although he sustained an injury during a recent match against Carlton, resulting in fears of a season-ending setback, it was later confirmed to be minor, with only medium-term sidelining expected.
Historically, Allen has struggled with injuries, having only played a full 20 games in three of his seven seasons. The prospect of losing their captain seems manageable for the Eagles, who are unlikely to contend for finals this year and instead need to concentrate on rebuilding their young talent base. Hence, sitting Allen for the remainder of the season appears to be a sound strategy that could enhance their draft prospects.
While Lloyd champions the idea of resting Allen, contrasting opinions arise. Melbourne great Garry Lyon argues the importance of having their captain present to instil a sense of leadership and commitment within the club. Lyon suggests that Allen should focus on his rehabilitation and contribute positively to the team’s culture during his recovery.
A situation where a star player is advised to sit out the season to protect their trade value due to a pending move is virtually unprecedented within the AFL landscape. The instance of Carltons’ Lachie Henderson in 2015 offers a rare example but occurred later in the season, whereas the Eagles still have ten games remaining.
The potential of securing the second pick in the draft is significant, as it could be the highest compensation pick ever allocated by the AFL. With all factors considered, the inclination is for West Coast to consider Allen’s absence strategically, with hopes that it aligns with their broader plans for rejuvenating the squad while ensuring that his trade value remains intact. In short, the Eagles find themselves weighing immediate playing needs against long-term developmental priorities, prompting a delicate decision moving forward.