In a challenging 2023 season, emerging key forward Oscar Allen stood tall
In a lot of ways, 2023 was the comeback season Oscar Allen could have only dreamed of.
Spending last season watching from the sidelines with a foot injury, Allen made his successful return to the field with his teammates in pre-season, putting in the hard work to be fit and ready for round one.
The exciting young forward was stepping out of rehab and into the big shoes of retiring Eagles champion and goal-kicking master Josh Kennedy, a feat Allen accomplished with incredible class and purpose.
After a challenging year for the football club, Allen said there were still positives to take away from the season, such as the rise of some fresh, young talent.
“Clearly it was a disappointing year, with improvements needed in all aspects of the footy club,” Allen said.
“But I think there was a real silver lining to see so many young players get an opportunity and for them to be able to develop into better players.
“Hopefully in the long term it will pay us back with them having gained some experience, and it will help us move onwards and upwards as a footy team.”
Reflecting on his season personally, Allen said he was pleased to be able to offer on-field contributions for his teammates.
“On a personal note, it was nice to be able to come back off missing a year and to be able to play throughout the season relatively consistently,” Allen said.
“The work that the physios and medical department have put into me the last 24 months has really helped me get through this year.
“Although we weren’t getting the results we would have liked, it was pleasing to be able to contribute on-field when I had the chance.”
The 24-year-old kicked four goals on four occasions throughout the season, kicking multiple goals in 18 games, a remarkably consistent effort in a side that struggled with inside 50 entries.
Allen managed a career-best 53 goals, finishing fifth in the 2023 Coleman Medal race, in a season that saw West Coast only celebrate three wins.
“It’s a funny one as a forward, it’s often the end result that people look at,” Allen said.
“And yes, while it was pleasing to be able to hit the scoreboard more than I had in the past, I was often set up by some terrific work by my teammates.
“Alongside Jack Darling, I’ve really enjoyed playing beside him for the past six years and I’ve learnt a lot from him so he would definitely help me out on-field throughout the season.”
The WA local has continued to grow and develop into a classy young leader and role model, his strong work ethic setting an inspiring standard for new talent arriving at the club.
“I’ve been working relatively hard on my leadership in the last 24 months,” Allen said.
“I’m really grateful that I’ve had great leaders to learn from throughout my time at the footy club, whether that’s Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey or Josh Kennedy.
“All the senior players have been exceptional with me, so it’s been really pleasing and enjoyable to be able to welcome younger players into the fold.
“With such a young team, it was nice to experience some players’ first wins and some really important memories for them on the footy field.”
Finishing runner up in this year’s John Worsfold Medal count, Allen was also named in the All-Australian squad for the first time in his career.
Allen has quickly become a fan-favourite, his high-flying leaps and strong, reliable marking hands sending supporters to the edge of their seats when the ball goes in his direction.
Looking ahead to 2024, Allen said there’s plenty of work to be done in the off-season to get the team back performing at a competitive level.
“Collectively, we’ve all got to get better in all aspects,” Allen said.
“I know that sounds very broad but coming off the season at the bottom of the ladder, there’s a lot that we need to work on.
“Clearly, continuity and making sure everyone is fit and available is important, but also collectively getting fitter, stronger and adjusting our game style to be able to keep up with the rest of the competition.”
