In Australia, the West Coast Eagles have another type of revolution on their minds. Their captain and talisman, Oscar Allen will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the incoming AFL season. With West Coast’s form slipping rapidly, a season as bad as any in recent history is threatening to come crashing in. While the club has a difficult road ahead, it prepares for an exciting future.
Allen has been a central part of the Eagles’ defense. Now, as he seeks new options in free agency, he’s projected to draw interest from the likes of competing clubs. If he does go, after all, the West Coast Eagles will likely get a high-value draft pick as compensation. This would only compound their already complex and challenging situation. The Eagles have been fading fast in recent years, going 11-91 over their last three seasons. They now endanger ending this campaign with a single win — which would represent the club’s single worst season to date.
A Season of Struggles
The West Coast Eagles are going through one of the worst seasons on record. In particular, injuries to key players have led to one of the more disheartening performances out of our key players. The team’s on-field issues have resulted in them placing dead last on the ladder, which has increased the fears over their long-term sustainability.
When push came to shove, Don Pyke—a major architect of the club’s recent management—fessed up to their state of denial. “Unfortunately, in the last two years, when we’ve finished in the bottom three, our first pick in the second round has slid out to the 30s,” he stated. This trend has contributed to the Eagles finding it harder and harder to acquire premium talent via the draft.
The team’s recent play illustrates how dire their situation is. The Eagles only have one victory on the season. They must regroup and go back to the drawing board to formulate a game plan to change their luck for the better.
Impending Changes and Challenges
As Oscar Allen gets set to head towards free agency, his leaving would potentially open up another considerable shakeup in the team’s core. If he leaves for a bigger club, the Eagles should be compensated with a first round pick at the very least. This would help alleviate the worry of many states about their future talent pipeline. This continues to place additional strain on the executive leadership to make smart, financially-minded choices in their future direction.
“The selection order is going to be impacted by six to eight, if not nine, players,” noted Don Pyke. “This just means access to talent for teams like ourselves who are trying to build just gets more challenging.” Such a statement emphasizes just how cutthroat the competition within the league is. It’s very important for the Eagles to take advantage of all chances offered to them.
In addition, Pyke said he wanted to be realistic about where they were placed right now. “We feel like, as disappointing as it is, we are where we are,” he said. This recognition shows a willingness to look inward and a renewed sense of focus as they rejoice down this uncertain path.
Looking Ahead
With Oscar Allen’s likely departure, there leaves a huge hole of uncertainty for the West Coast Eagles, whose year on field has been atrocious. For the team, all hope is not yet lost. That means if they come in the last place this season, they’ll get the number one draft pick. That provides them a great chance to reload and revitalize their roster somewhat.
Pyke elaborated on their position, stating, “We find ourselves right in the position where if you apply it across clubs who have recently received assistance… we’re well and truly in the window for that.” That’s because they’re facing acute crises as we speak. An important strategic development opportunity is just around the corner.
