AFL West Coast v Essendon analysis: Oscar Allen’s spot in Eagles’ side up for debate

West Coast put in a much improved performance against Essendon — and it was without their skipper Oscar Allen. Eliza Reilly writes, the Eagles’ attack might just be better without him.

A spirited two-point loss to Essendon has posed an intriguing team balance question at West Coast.

What role does Oscar Allen play in the Eagles’ top-heavy forward line?

The 26-year-old has yet again been the talk of Perth this week after West Coast released a bizarre statement announcing the co-captain would be ‘managed’ against Essendon after back-to-back six-day breaks.

Coach Andrew McQualter declared Allen a certain starter against Hawthorn next week.

But if Allen was in form and injury-free, he would’ve played on Friday night. There’s no world where a winless club rests their skipper against a beatable opponent. Either Allen is injured, out of form or a combination of both.

West Coast Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen. Picture: Supplied

That makes West Coast’s next move fascinating because his absence wasn’t largely felt. In fact, the Eagles’ attack might just function better without him.

Jake Waterman started the contest with a bang, kicking four goals in the first quarter. His tank and work rate make him one of the best lead-up targets in the competition and he plays better as a deep forward than a roaming centre-half.

In the air, Waterman’s hands are vice-like. Even if he’s out of position, he forces a contest, something we haven’t been able to say of Allen too often this season.

Jake Waterman enjoys a goal. Picture: Getty Images

Jack Williams should be picked every week. Picture: Getty Images

The only knock on Waterman is that he didn’t go on with it after an electric first term.

Jack Williams had every right to drop his head after an underwhelming performance last week against Carlton. Instead, he did what good young forwards should and responded with three goals.

One of his majors, late in the final term to bring the game within a kick, was executed under immense pressure. After starting the season outside of the best 22, West Coast must persist with him.

Then there’s Archer Reid. Matching up on his brother Zach, the 19-year-old didn’t have his best day on the stats sheet but he’s the ultimate competitor and refuses to give up an easy intercept mark.

Zach Reid with brother Archer Reid. Picture: Getty Images

On form, Waterman, Williams and Reid deserve their spots. Allen currently doesn’t but the Eagles want him out there. So it’s a matter of adapting or finding form rapidly.

Two years ago, he kicked 53 goals. The Eagles will remind you of that. Then his body failed him and gave Waterman the opportunity to prove his worth.

On evidence, Allen has the potential to flourish as a leading man.

West Coast has been spoiled by an affluence of key forwards. Before Waterman, it was Jack Darling and before Darling, it was Josh Kennedy.

In 59 career games before Kennedy retired in 2022, Allen has played in an Eagles team without both he and Darling just once, back in his debut season in 2018 against GWS.

He’s played five games without just Darling, kicking 13 goals.

The challenge is to learn how to work in tandem with Waterman, a pairing that has plenty of promise but hasn’t yet come to fruition.

“Without a doubt,” Eagles ruckman Matt Flynn said when asked if there was room for Waterman and Allen in attack. “When they’re up and running, they’re two forwards that anyone would have in their forward line.

“There’s definitely a world where they’ll play together. I’m not sure what that looks like. I’m not on the selection committee but if I was a betting man, I’d say that they can work together really well.”

HEWETT COMES OF AGE

Essendon coach Brad Scott said in his post-match press conference that the Bombers were wary when the Eagles named Elijah Hewett.

“We rated him highly in the draft,” he said. “Don’t underestimate this guy.”

After having just four touches in the first half, Hewett burst to life in the second and was a big reason why the Eagles nearly got across the line.

Elijah Hewett had a breakout game. Picture: Getty Images

Hewett evidently has talent. His body has just failed him so far.

The 20-year-old had 11 touches in the third term and his speed and power around stoppages stunned the Bombers’ on-ball brigade. He kicked two clutch goals from long-range and on balance, it was his best game for the football club.

“He’s impressive,” Flynn said. “He’s a super athlete.

“He’s strong. He’s powerful. He works super hard on his game and you could see that transfer today. He’s had a rough ride the past few years so to see him come out and have such a big impact is amazing.”

Originally published as AFL West Coast v Essendon analysis: Oscar Allen’s spot in Eagles’ side up for debate