West Coast ahead Oscar Allen admits he felt “a little bit rusty” throughout his long-awaited return from harm in Friday’s pre-season win over Port Adelaide at Lathlain however can be higher for the run.
The 23-year-old booted 2.2 in his first match towards an AFL opponent in 553 days after his total 2022 season was worn out by a severe foot problem.
Allen was an actual presence up ahead, benefiting from the absence of mainstay goal-kickers Josh Kennedy (retired) and Jack Darling (ankle harm), in a glimpse of what his future could appear to be.
He missed his first two pictures earlier than half-time however got here to life with a two-goal third quarter.
With Darling contact and go for spherical one towards North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 18, Allen’s efficiency was all of the extra necessary.
Fellow younger ahead Jake Waterman performed the ultimate time period and kicked the match-sealing aim earlier than booting 5 within the WAFL scratch match after.
“(I felt) a little bit rusty,” Allen stated.
“There were a couple of set shots that weren’t too good but it was great to get the first game ticked off.
“Obviously it’s still pre-season so I’m ironing out some kinks in my own game and I think there’s a lot of improvement to come.
“Now I’m just looking forward to Adelaide next week and then getting into some real stuff.”
Allen wasn’t the one participant to make a profitable return after a 12 months ruined by harm.
Premiership hero Dom Sheed, who performed only one sport final season due to a syndesmosis harm, impressed within the midfield alongside two-time membership champion Elliot Yeo who’s been restricted to 27 appearances over the previous three years as a result of soft-tissue setbacks.
Tom Cole (ankle) was necessary down again after not being sighted in 2022, combining effectively fellow flag winner Jeremy McGovern whose season was over in June with a nasty rib harm.
Then there was prized 2021 draftee Campbell Chesser’s eye-catching sport on the wing as he pushes for an opening-round debut which eluded him final 12 months after an ankle harm within the first observe match towards Fremantle – the identical sport Sheed and Yeo (calf) went down because the Eagles’ season rapidly unravelled.
“I think Dommy had a real impact on the game and Tommy Cole is probably one of our most important players that not many people talk about,” Allen stated.
“Gov was out there, Yeoy, there’s a number of guys who didn’t have a great year last year so for them to play well and get through unscathed was really promising.”
Returning Eagles (and what number of video games they performed final season)
- Oscar Allen (0 video games)
- Campbell Chesser (0)
- Tom Cole (0)
- Jeremy McGovern (10)
- Dom Sheed (1)
- Elliot Yeo (5)
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
