Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has delivered a major boost to the club's premiership defence, declaring star off-season signing Oscar Allen is firmly on course to be available for the team's first match of the 2025 AFL season.
Key Recruits Set for Gabba Debut
Fagan expressed strong confidence that both Allen and fellow recruit Sam Draper will be ready for the Lions' Opening Round clash against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on March 7. The high-profile duo joined the back-to-back premiers during the trade period, with Allen arriving as a free agent from West Coast.
"The expectation is that they'll be right to play round one," Fagan stated in an interview with SEN radio. "In fact, they should be right to play at least one practice match, if not two. If there's no setbacks, that's what will happen."
The coach praised the character and leadership of the new additions, noting their seamless integration into the group. "They're both great characters… they've both been in leadership roles at their clubs, which is great because we lost a little bit of leadership," Fagan said. "They're training well at the moment, which is a bit of a surprise. I thought they might take a little bit longer. But they're back in, albeit a little bit modified. Doing really well and enjoying the new environment."
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
Both players are recovering from significant injuries. Allen's final season at West Coast was restricted to just 12 games due to an Achilles and calf issue sustained in round 14, which was followed by season-ending knee surgery. The 26-year-old forward, who kicked 151 goals in 105 games across eight seasons for the Eagles, was a highly respected figure at his former club and had long been considered a future captain.
His departure via free agency netted West Coast pick No.2 in the AFL Draft as compensation, which the club used to select promising Victorian tall Cooper Duff-Tytler. Draper, the ruckman acquired from Essendon, is on the mend from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in April.
Chasing a Historic Three-Peat
The acquisitions are part of Brisbane's ambitious plan to create a modern dynasty, aiming to match the legendary Lions side that won three consecutive premierships from 2001-2003. The last team to achieve a hat-trick of flags was Hawthorn from 2013-2015.
"The group likes a challenge," Fagan said of the historic pursuit. "There's no better challenge than trying to win three in a row. Not many teams can do it. Hopefully they might be inspired by that. It's a pretty tough thing to do, but this group's got the ability to do it."
Off the field, Allen has enjoyed a busy break, marrying his long-time partner Lorna McNabb in Perth recently. The wedding was attended by several former West Coast teammates, including young sensation Harley Reid and forward Jake Waterman.
Brisbane further strengthened its list at the draft, securing academy product Daniel Annable, West Australian Koby Evans, and Claremont tall Cody Curtin. Meanwhile, West Coast brought in dual Brisbane premiership defender Brandon Starcevich and rookie Deven Robertson during the exchange period.
