Oscar Allen should be dropped as Eagles captain

West Coast captain Oscar Allen, who is supposed to be a leader of the club, has reportedly met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell during the week, as the Eagles stare down another potential wooden spoon. 

Sam Mitchell, who has a history of meeting with players mid-season, poached Tom Barrass and Josh Battle in the 2024 off season from their respective teams. 

Oscar Allen was once the Eagles’ future, being named the most emerging player in 2019, and kicking a career-high 53 goals in their 2023 wooden spoon season.  

Allen signed a three-year extension at the end of the 2021 season knowing of what was to come, with multiple star players from their 2018 Premiership side retiring. 

The WA-raised player did not play in the 2022 season, had an interrupted 2024 campaign, and in the first three weeks of 2025, is off to a horrible start both on and off the field. 

Oscar Allen celebrating a goal.

Fielding interest from multiple clubs from the eastern states in 2023, Oscar confirmed his loyalty to the club that drafted him and opted not to entertain or request a trade away.  

"We're building as a club, and I want to be a part of that,” Allen said after being named co-captain with Liam Duggan in late November of 2023. 

After an interrupted 2024 season, the rumours came back that the Brisbane Lions are looking at a replacement for Joe Daniher, who retired after the 2024 Premiership. Hawthorn was also looking at the key forward as they are trying to build their spine for their future. 

Three rounds into the 2025 season, the Eagles are looking the same as usual with a 0-3 start, and the Giants to come in an away game.  

Should Allen give up his captaincy? Meeting with a rival team throughout the season will always be frowned upon by any club who is trying to keep the player. Oscar being a captain of this young and struggling side has obviously placed his own self-interests ahead of the club’s, and that sends a message to the playing group. 

 “He must before he next plays relinquish captaincy of the West Coast Eagles,” said Damian Barrett on Oscar Allen meeting with a rival club.

With the Eagles’ known struggles, a new coach, and former number one draft pick Harley Reid weighing up a possible return home to Victoria as the media obsesses over him, this is a selfish decision by Allen and puts into question his leadership. And his current form on the field shows that too. 

Oscar Allen with Harley Reid.

Allen is averaging 6.7 disposals 3.3 marks and only 1 goal, which is all below average this season. 

West Coast need to stand up for themselves and revoke Allen’s captaincy if he’s not willing to step down of his own volition. This would send a clear message, while making Liam Duggan, who has just shown his loyalty to the club by signing a 4-year deal, sole captain.  

If West Coast want to be taken seriously again, Allen will be dropped as captain as he has clearly shown he doesn't want to be there, and his leadership is already in question from the fans and teammates.