A new suitor has reportedly emerged in the pursuit of West Coast captain and free agent Oscar Allen, with Hawthorn believed to be keen on luring the key forward out of Perth.
Allen, despite his captaincy role, has gained strong interest from clubs on the East Coast as he weighs up his future in the blue and gold.
The West Perth product did little to ease the nerves of Eagles fans after reports revealed reigning premiers Brisbane had emerged as a club showing interest in Allen's services.
"It's probably something you don't think about when you're playing," Allen toldย AFL.com.au of his incoming decision last month. "You've kinda just got your head in the sand trying to get better every day.
"I'm not sure what the future lies, but I have enjoyed, and am still enjoying, my time with the footy club.
"That's why guys have managers I suppose, so they can look over those things for you."
According toย The West Australian,ย Hawthorn have entered the race for Allen's signature and are prepared to offer a long-term deal to aid their play for the 25-year-old.
The publication's report suggests Brisbane, who are also readying a long-term play for Allen, are the front-runners for the tall forward as they look to attain a formidable Joe Daniher replacement.
The Eagles are understood to have tabled a medium-term deal for the free agent, whose potential exit would see West Coast compensated with a draft selection. If under a restricted status, the West Coast could match a rival's offer and force a trade instead.
Allen headlines a crop of key position players who are eligible for free agency in 2025, with Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning, Essendon tall Sam Draper, Geelong star Jeremy Cameron, Tiger Tom Lynch and Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker also unsigned and able to assess the open market.
West Coast have Tom Cole, Jamie Cripps, Jayden Hunt, Jack Petruccelle and injured midfielder Dom Sheed also listed as free agents.
