West Coast Eagles’ top draft pick Bo Allan on track for round one debut after impressive game against Richmond

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West Coast Eagles’ top draft pick Bo Allan on track for round one debut after impressive game against Richmond

Bo Allan has all but secured his place in West Coast’s round one side, with the top draft pick staking a strong claim for a debut with an eye-catching performance against Richmond in Monday’s pre-season opener.

It comes as luckless midfielder Elijah Hewett earned praise from key Eagles recruit Jack Graham for a ruthless pre-season which culminated in his first competitive hit-out in more than a year.

Allan, who was drafted with pick No.16 last year, looked more than comfortable against the Tigers in the latest sign the 19-year-old is more than ready for the rigours of AFL football.

Starting on the bench, Allan came onto the field early in the first of three 25-minute periods where he excelled across half-back, showing composure with the ball in hand and shrugging opponents in the contest.

It’s unsurprising given Allan played 11 league games for Peel Thunder — including the 2024 grand final victory — having captained the WA under-18 side and earning All-*********** honours.

Camera IconBo Allan cools off. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Seemingly destined to be a big-bodied midfielder, Allan was one of the most exciting players out of the Eagles’ 10.2 (62) to 4.2 (26) win at Mineral Resources Park and is looming large to be selected to take on Gold Coast in the season opener at Optus Stadium on March 16.

“Bo’s had a great first pre-season. He’s a classy half-back,” Graham said post-game.

“Even in the midfield he could play, so he’s definitely putting his hand up to play round one.”

Allan’s quick rise wasn’t the only positive out of the contest, with fellow first-round draftee Hewett looking to put his injuries woes behind him to become part of the midfield.

Hewett missed all of last season with a serious foot injury, having battled an ankle injury in his 2023 debut campaign which restricted him to 14 games.

The 20-year-old has impressed in a managed pre-season and started at the first centre bounce alongside co-captain Liam Duggan and Graham in the absence of Tim Kelly, Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo.

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Hewett kicked the first goal of the contest, a neat snap from 35m out, having broken from a contest at a boundary throw-in and burning Tigers No.1 draftee Sam Lalor before finishing truly.

It was the highlight among several big moments for Hewett, who looms as a key part of West Coast’s rebuild after being drafted with pick No.14 in 2022.

Graham named Hewett as one of his standouts for the match, alongside wing contenders Tyrell Dewar – who booted a superb long-range running goal – and Jack Hutchinson.

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“(Tyrell) Dewar was pretty exciting… watching him take almost a few hangers,” Graham said.

“Hutch (Jack Hutchinson) does some exciting things, and Elijah Hewett, he hasn’t played a heap of footy. He’s had a solid pre-season and it was good to see him get some reward.

“He loves working hard and loves the contest, so I’m glad he’s on my team this year.”

The contest was the first look at the Eagles against real opposition under new coach Andrew McQualter, and the quicker game style was evident in an impressive six-goal-to-none second term.

West Coast applied strong forward half pressure to overwhelm the young Tigers — who only had one player over 24 in the squad — to cause turnovers and catch out their opponents on the rebound.

Co-captain Oscar Allen was the focal point up forward in the absence of managed All-*********** Jake Waterman and crashed several packs and created contests which benefited his small forwards.

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Camera IconOscar Allen celebrates a goal. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Allen — who is out of contract and a free agent at the end of this season — was rewarded for his efforts with two goals.

“Oz is going really well. Being able to kick it down the line and knowing he’s going to be able to fly at a few and at least ****** a few packs, that’s where our smalls really come into the game,” Graham said.

“His job is to obviously kick goals but we value all the little things, the knock-ons, causing a contest, bringing the ball to ground.

“That’s what we’ll go through the review and pat him on the back for.”

Dewar and Hutchinson continue to battle for a spot on the wing opposite speedster Jayden Hunt and neither did their claims any harm.

Hutchinson started on the field and was strong in the contest and showcased speed, while Dewar provided several highlights including two attempted massive marks and his highlight goal.

West Coast’s small forwards also had an impact at the feet of Allen, with Tyler Brockman standing out.

Brockman kicked a game-high three goals, including two within a minute to start the final ******* of play, as he looks to put a tough first season at the Eagles behind him that was impacted by injury and off-field issues.

Noah Long snapped a goal on his left as he comes back from a knee injury which ended his 2024 season after only seven games, while Jack Petruccelle and recruit Matt Owies also hit the scoreboard.

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Camera IconNoah Long. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Second-year Eagle Matt Flynn put his hand up for the No.1 ruck spot in an impressive showing but sat out the final term with a sore back after copping a series of knocks.

West Coast will continue their build with an intra-club hit-out on Saturday before taking on North Melbourne in Bunbury on March 1.

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