Eagles skipper Allen finding his happiness in defence

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Eagles skipper Allen finding his happiness in defence

West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is embracing his stint in defence and is willing to stay in the role for as long as his team need him.

Allen’s poor start to the season in attack combined with West Coast’s lack of key backmen convinced coach Andrew McQualter to shift his key forward to defence over the past two games.

The 26-year-old performed his role strongly against Hawthorn and Melbourne, and his importance has risen to even greater heights after star defender Jeremy McGovern (concussion) was ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.

“I’m enjoying it. It’s a good challenge for me,” Allen said.

“I started off as a back when I got to the footy club, so I’m trying to remember my roots.

“I think I’ve adjusted relatively well. I’ve quite enjoyed the ball coming in, so you’re probably reading the cues of the game a little bit more.

“There’s definitely some adjustments in aerial contests given you’re not the one leading the guy to the ball, so that’s one big change.

“But apart from that, you’re playing a game of footy. It’s very much the same stuff.

“It’s a great challenge, and I’m enjoying it. And the young guys up forward are developing well, so I’m happy to do the bit for the team.”

West Coast’s defensive stocks are paper thin.

Tom Barrass was traded to Hawthorn at the end of last season, with Harry Edwards dropped twice already this season amidst his struggles to fill the void.

Pre-season rookie selection Sandy Brock has been recalled to replace McGovern against Richmond.

With Edwards overlooked again, Allen is set to get the big task of manning star Richmond forward Tom ******.

Allen kicked just four goals across his first five games before being granted a few days of personal leave to look after his mental health.

The restricted free agent is being heavily chased by Brisbane and Hawthorn, but for now is focused on helping West Coast snap their 0-8 start to the season.

Allen says he will happily keep playing in defence if that is what the team needs.

“Mini (McQualter) has been really good with asking me, and I’ve just been wanting to do what’s best for the team,” he said.

“So if he wants me to play down back, I’ll play down back and if he wants me to go back forward, I’ll go forward.

“I’m not really fussed, I just want to be out there and playing as good a footy as possible.”

Richmond started the season as favourites to win the wooden spoon, but they have defied the dire predictions of a winless year by moving to 2-6 after eight rounds.

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