Former West Coast Eagles forward Oscar Allen has declared he feels like an 18-year-old again after his high-profile move to the reigning AFL premiers, the Brisbane Lions. This rejuvenation comes on the heels of a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw Allen grapple with injuries, controversy, and team struggles.
From West Coast Woes to Brisbane Bliss
Allen, who served as a co-captain at the Eagles before making a free agency switch to the Lions during the off-season, faced significant challenges last year. His season was overshadowed by a controversial early-season meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, which occurred amid West Coast's worst-ever recorded season. Allen publicly apologized to fans and teammates, expressing deep embarrassment and shame for the distraction it caused.
Compounding his woes, a left knee injury requiring surgery ended his 2025 season prematurely, following a series of persistent calf and Achilles issues. However, in a recent interview with Channel 7's Sunday Footy Feast, a chipper Allen revealed that relocating to tropical Queensland has sparked a remarkable revival in his spirits and career.
A Fresh Start and New Beginnings
"It's been great," Allen said. "It was challenging at times last year. Probably the other frustration was my body not being able to go out there and perform to the level or the expectations that I set for myself, so that was hard for me. But, it's funny, I feel like I'm an 18-year-old now getting drafted for the first time, moving away from home like 95 per cent of draftees do, so it's been great moving here to Brissy."
He also highlighted personal milestones, noting that he and his wife recently got married in the off-season, adding to the positive changes in his life. "We ticked a few big boxes off and we're loving Brisbane and settling in really well," he added.
Light-Hearted Take on Past Controversy
Allen addressed the Mitchell incident with humor, joking about deleting the Hawks coach's contact details. "It's a bit like when you get the new girlfriend, you've got to delete the old one off all social media. So, in the process of doing that with Mitch now," he laughed. "I'll be ducking him. I saw him before the Brownlow, he and his wife drove past me, and I literally dived behind cover because I didn't want to get into any more trouble."
On-Field Performance and Recovery
Despite a tough start to the 2026 season, where Allen struggled to find his footing in Brisbane's forward line—kicking just one goal in his debut and another in round one as the Lions suffered back-to-back defeats—he has since shown significant improvement. In the following three games, he booted eight goals, propelling him into the top 10 of the Coleman Medal race, and kicked three against North Melbourne during Gather Round.
This upward trajectory underscores his renewed confidence and physical recovery, marking a promising turn for the 27-year-old goal-kicker as he embraces his new role with the premiers.
