The West Coast Eagles are reportedly set to lose their captain, Oscar Allen, for 2026 and beyond, with the key forward reportedly "settled" on joining the Brisbane Lions as a free agent this off-season.
Allen has long been suspected of leaving the Perth-based club at the end of the season as he was spotted meeting with Hawthorn senior coach Sam Mitchell earlier in the year, with the Hawks aiming to lure the 26-year-old to Victoria.
However, according to 9News' Tom Morris, Brisbane will win the battle for Allen, with Allen expected to "formally tell" the Eagles of his decision following the conclusion of their 2025 season.
The news comes after West Coast's senior coach, Andrew McQualter, told the media on Thursday morning that the club was "not clear" on Allen's stance on his future as he recovers from a season-ending knee surgery.
"We speak to Oscar regularly. We're in contact, we're working with Oscar's management," McQualter said.
"We're still not clear where it'll be, but we're working really hard to try and make Oscar a player here for a long time."
Oscar Allen has been settled on joining Brisbane as a free agent all year & nothing has changed. He will formally tell the club after Round 24.
The big question is whether his long-term deal spits out Band 1 or 2 compensation for West Coast. 👇@FootyonNine @9NewsMelb https://t.co/1SosDVHeoV
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 14, 2025
The news means the Eagles will now have to reconstruct their leadership group for 2026.
However, the club will likely have their eyes firmly set on building on last week's upset attempt against Adelaide to compete with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, with first bounce at 4:40pm (AEST).
