West Coast forward Jack Williams reacts to trade talk surrounding Oscar Allen

West Coast’s skipper has met with a rival club’s coach. Now, one of his teammates has reacted to the news and revealed whether Oscar Allen has spoken to the group amid calls for him so step aside as captain.

Emerging West Coast key forward Jack Williams has revealed that co-captain Oscar Allen has so far failed to address his meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell with the playing group.

In Perth during the club’s bye with wife Lyndall, Mitchell met the 26-year-old for coffee following his underwhelming performance in the western derby.

The free agent is still yet to re-sign with West Coast as his management chases a long-term deal with guaranteed money.

Williams, who played his first game of the season against Fremantle, said that Allen hasn’t broached the meeting with players.

“There hasn’t been (a meeting),” he said.

“We’ve got things to worry about in regards to how we played on the weekend.

Oscar Allen (R) is in the spotlight. Picture: Getty Images

“We don’t know much about it to be honest. It is what it is

“We feel like it’s a bit of outside noise at the moment because we know how committed he is to this team.”

The 21-year-old would be happy for Allen to continue as captain of the club despite exploring his options elsewhere. Allen also has interest from reigning premiers Brisbane.

“It can look bad from the outside in but knowing Oscar and his commitment to this football team, I’ve got no doubt that while he’s here, he’s going to be a great leader for the club and he always has been,” Williams said. “He’s been a great mentor for me since I’ve been at the club and he’s helped me progress in my role as a key position player up forward.

“We’ve got full faith in the work Oscar does for this club...he deserves the captaincy and it’s just an unfortunate situation at the moment if what’s said to have happened has happened.

“It doesn’t change anything that he’s been doing for us. I’m still happy to play under him as captain no doubt.

Williams is backing in his skipper. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ll wrap our arms around him and we’re happy to have him here.”

After playing 18 games last season, including the final eight games of 2024, Williams was left out of West Coast’s round 1 side against Gold Coast.

Two goals in a WAFL practice match and an injury to Jake Waterman saw Williams return for his first game of the year against Fremantle, finishing with eight touches, four marks and a goal.

The East Fremantle product admitted it’s been a challenge to adapt to Andrew McQualter’s new game plan but he hopes to retain his spot in the side this weekend against GWS.

“It was a bit disappointing to not be starting in the team but I just went back to the WAFL and kept toiling away playing the footy that Mini wants to see,” he said.

“It wasn’t how I pictured the season starting but regardless, it’s a good thing for the team when you have competition for spots.

“I was pretty happy with how I finished the year last year but obviously with a new coach, that comes with a fresh slate. I felt I had a pretty good pre-season but lots of other players did as well.

“I’ve been trying to adjust to this new game plan under Mini. I felt like coming into the pre-season games, I was doing alright but I had a chat with my coaches and we were all on board, we wanted to see me go back to the WAFL with a good attitude and try and force my way back into the team.”

Originally published as West Coast forward Jack Williams reacts to trade talk surrounding Oscar Allen