‘Please reach out’: Eagles skipper Oscar Allen praised over heartfelt plea

West Coast captain Oscar Allen has been praised after issuing a heartfelt plea in the wake of Adam Selwood’s heartbreaking death.

West Coast Eagles skipper Oscar Allen has been praised by the AFL community following his post-game interview.

The Eagles snapped their winless streak after taking down St Kilda at Optus Stadium with the victory coming in the wake of Adam Selwood’s shock death.

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News of the 41-year-old’s death on Saturday left the AFL world in deep mourning — coming just three months after twin brother Troy took his own life.

Adam played 187 games for West Coast and was famously part of the Eagles’ 2006 premiership win over the Sydney Swans.

The Eagles delivered in style to honour the club icon as they secured the 16.12 (108) to 12.8 (80) win.

Following the win Allen issued a plea to anybody who may be struggling with mental health issues to please reach out.

Watch Oscar Allen’s powerful message in the video above

Oscar Allen issues plea for people to reach out.

“We’ve lost a legend of our club and we just want to send all our love and support to the Selwood family,” Allen said.

“Mental health is such a massive thing in society at the moment, I’ve had my own mental battles this year and have been so fortunate to have such a great support crew around me to have my back through everything I’ve gone through.

“I just urge anybody out there who is struggling with anything, please reach out. Helplines, friends reach out to each other.

“We’re heartbroken and we just want to offer all the love and support we can to the Selwood family in this time.”

Allen’s message received widespread praise among footy fans with countless thanking the Eagles skipper for speaking up.

Commentator Kate McCarthy wrote on X: “That post match interview from Oscar Allen was pure class. Well done.”

Journalist Brent Costelloe wrote: “Beautiful post game interview by Oscar Allen. The Eags get it done for Sel.”

Broadcaster Megan Hustwaite wrote: “Superb, Oscar Allen.”

Another fan added: “Unbelievably powerful words by Oscar Allen post game there️. It’s okay to not be okay.”

Oscar Allen was praised for his post-game message. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Adam Selwood passed away on Saturday. Source: Facebook

News of Selwood’s passing left the AFL world heartbroken with more tears flowing after his final act for his twin Troy was revealed.

Fans flocked to donate money to a charity program Adam had set up in support of Troy to raise money for a mental health charity.

In a heartbreaking set of circumstances, Adam Selwood recently said his plans to take part in next week’s HBF Run for a Reason — in support of the zero2hero charity — was one of the things that “kept him going” after his brother’s death.

The Run for a Reason half marathon will continue to take place on Sunday, May 25, and Selwood will be in the hearts of many that run the course in Perth.

In a touching twist, more than $4000 was donated to Selwood’s zero2hero campaign on Saturday night — taking his total money raised to more than $25,000.

Selwood originally set out on his half marathon journey aiming to raise $10,000 — but the exercise has touched the hearts of many more people than may have been expected.

— You can donate to Adam Selwood’s zero2hero campaign here.

Originally published as ‘Please reach out’: Eagles skipper Oscar Allen praised over heartfelt plea