West Coast are backing two-game swingman Oscar Allen to fill the void left by Josh Kennedy if the star spearhead is ruled out for the club’s AFL season opener against Brisbane.
Kennedy is no certainty to face Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night after his pre-season was disrupted by shoulder surgery and then a foot injury.
The two-time Coleman Medallist missed both of West Coast’s pre-season games, but made it through about 50 minutes of an intraclub hit-out last Friday.
Kennedy is a proven performer in comeback games after injury disruptions.
But whether the Eagles will risk the 31-year-old against Brisbane remains to be seen.
If Kennedy is ruled out, Allen is almost certain to be picked to partner Jack Darling in attack.
Allen, who turns 20 on Tuesday, booted five goals in two games during the pre-season, with his strong marking and smart leading a highlight.
Even if Kennedy is passed fit, there’s a chance Allen will still be selected against Brisbane as part of a three-pronged spearhead attack.
Allen tallied 14 disposals and six marks in a 26-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba in round 23 last year.
“He’s a great young talent. I think he reads the play really well, and he reads the flight of the ball really well,” Eagles midfielder Jack Redden said.
“I think we’ve seen glimpses last year that he’s really comfortable in that (spearhead) role. He took a lot of great marks and filled that role really well.”
Redden was impressed by what he saw from Kennedy during the intraclub match.
“He doesn’t have to have a heap of it to have an impact on the game,” Redden said.
“He seemed like he was running and jumping at the ball really well. As far as I know he’s almost ready.”
Small forward Jamie Cripps (toe) is also in doubt for round one.
And with Mark LeCras now retired, West Coast’s forward line will consist mostly of first and second year players.
Brisbane finished 15th last season with a 5-17 win-loss record.
But the recruitment of midfield star Lachie Neale – plus further development of the club’s young players – has fuelled hopes Brisbane will climb the table this season.
Redden said Neale would be a big threat to the Eagles, and highlighted Brisbane’s leg speed as a major danger.
West Coast have enjoyed a strong pre-season, and Redden says he hasn’t seen any signs of a premiership hangover.