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Trade talk: Inside story of Hawthorn coach's meeting with West Coast's Allen
Andrew Slevison • April 1st, 2025 10:37 am
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell recently met with West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen in Perth.
SEN Sportsday WA host Peter Vlahos first reported Mitchell’s presence in Perth on Monday afternoon and SEN regular Tom Morris has since confirmed the meeting.
Allen, who is contracted until the end of this season, previously met with Brisbane and has now had talks with the Hawks.
“Reports in Perth that Sam Mitchell flew there and met with Oscar Allen,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“I can confirm to you this morning that did happen. Sam Mitchell and his wife (Lyndall) flew to Perth over the last couple of days. They had another commitment there anyway, but they did meet with Oscar Allen.
“Allen has a big decision to make as a free agent.
“My understanding is, if he leaves West Coast it will only be for a Brisbane or a Hawthorn. Collingwood and Melbourne have also been in the mix and been spoken about.
“But he wants a team at the pointy end of the premiership window if he does leave.
“I think he’s a reasonable chance to leave. If you’re meeting with a coach of another club in Round 3 then you are seriously considering leaving.”
SEN Breakfast’s Garry Lyon assessed the news, wondering if Allen now has to have a conversation with his Eagles teammates regarding this situation.
“100 per cent,” said Lyon.
“He says, ‘Listen, I am 1000 per cent committed to you boys for this year and I will do everything I can to make us better. You also understand because at some stage you might find yourself in a similar position that this is a business and all I am doing is looking after my business’.”
Tim Watson says he doesn’t like the optics given Allen is a club captain.
“It’s a terrible look,” said Watson.
“Do you think that is an abuse of your captaincy and leadership in any way to be talking to another club about the possibility of moving?”
Former Melbourne captain Lyon replied: “It’s not something I would have entertained ever.
“But it’s a different world that we live in.
“Do you think Oscar Allen has compromised his leadership because he sat down with Sam Mitchell?”
Watson added: “100 per cent I do.
“I want my captain to be totally committed to the cause and to be the captain of the football club, and believing in him that he’s on the journey with me.”
Lyon said further: “So he’s sat down with Brisbane and he’s sat down with Hawthorn and he can’t get a kick. That’s not a great combo.”
Morris added that Harley Reid is also being chased by the Hawks but on this occasion Mitchell didn't meet with the former No.1 draft pick.
