The West Coast Eagles are facing a storm of controversy following the revelation that co-captain Oscar Allen met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell just hours after the Eagles suffered a disappointing loss to Fremantle. The meeting, which occurred on March 31, 2025, has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts alike regarding Allen's commitment to his role as captain and his future with the club.
Despite the uproar, Eagles CEO Don Pyke has confirmed that the club will not take any disciplinary action against Allen or strip him of his captaincy. Pyke stated that the Eagles only became aware of the meeting after it took place, emphasizing the changing landscape of player movement and discussions in the modern AFL.
“It’s obviously news to us that that may have occurred,” Pyke said in an interview on SEN radio. “But I think we’re working in the world now that’s changed from times gone past. I don’t think it’s unusual for clubs to meet with players, if that is the case.”
Allen's meeting with Mitchell has raised eyebrows, especially considering the timing. The Eagles have endured a rough start to the 2025 season, losing their first three matches by an average of eight goals. In contrast, the Hawks, coached by Mitchell, are riding high with four consecutive victories and are seen as genuine premiership contenders.
Critics of Allen, including Essendon great Tim Watson, have labeled the meeting a “terrible look.” Watson expressed concerns that such actions compromise Allen’s leadership, stating, “I want my captain to be totally committed to the cause and to be the captain of the football club.”
Former Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge weighed in on the debate, suggesting that while such meetings would have been deemed unacceptable a decade ago, the current climate of the AFL has shifted significantly. “What it does do is it doesn’t send a good look to the rest of the team,” Hodge noted. “If you’re a young person coming in and Allen is asking you to sacrifice your game but then there’s doubt he’s going to be there in 12 months, it does take away the power of what he’s saying.”
Adding to the scrutiny, former AFL player Brad Hardie called for a leadership change, arguing that Allen's inconsistent performance on the field warrants such action. “I’m calling for him to be removed as the skipper,” Hardie stated. “They’ve got to have the right example, this is not the right example, and look – this has been going on for 12 months.”
Scott Cummings, a former West Coast player, echoed these sentiments, claiming that Allen’s teammates and coach should be “filthy” about the situation. Cummings pointed out that Allen has not been playing at full fitness, further complicating his role as captain during a tumultuous period for the club.
As the Eagles prepare to face GWS this Sunday, April 6, 2025, the pressure on Allen continues to mount. With only five wins from his last 41 AFL matches, Allen’s form has come under scrutiny. In the current season, he has managed just 16 kicks and four handballs across three games, raising questions about his fitness and commitment.
Meanwhile, the speculation surrounding Allen’s future is intensifying, with both Hawthorn and Brisbane reportedly interested in securing his services. The fact that Mitchell flew to Perth to meet with Allen has only fueled rumors of a potential move, as the Eagles navigate a challenging landscape of player recruitment and retention.
Will Schofield, a premiership Eagle, commented on the evolving nature of player negotiations, stating, “I don’t think it’s surprising, and I don’t think Sam Mitchell is overly worried about people knowing either.” Schofield emphasized the importance of clarity and communication within the club, especially for a new coach like Andrew McQualter, who is still finding his footing in his first season.
As Allen grapples with his position, the Eagles face the daunting task of turning their season around. With the club's recent history marked by struggles and player turnover, the stakes are high for both Allen and McQualter as they seek to restore West Coast to its former glory.
The optics of Allen meeting with a rival coach while serving as captain have raised significant concerns among fans and analysts alike. Many believe that if Allen wants to explore his options, he should consider relinquishing the captaincy to maintain the integrity of his leadership role.
“If you want to test the market, you either don’t accept the role in the first place, or give it up when being caught for doing so,” noted a commentator reflecting on the situation. With the Eagles struggling and Allen’s future uncertain, the pressure is mounting for both the player and the club to find a resolution.
As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the West Coast Eagles must navigate these turbulent waters carefully to ensure they not only retain their captain but also foster a culture of commitment and success amid the challenges of the modern AFL landscape.
