West Coast have backed forward Oscar Allen to remain co-captain despite his coffee-catch up with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell earlier this week.
A restricted free agent at the end of this season, Allen reportedly met with Mitchell earlier this week as he explores his option for the future.
The 26-year-old also has strong interest from Brisbane — who are believed to be the front-runners — Collingwood and Sydney as there is a high demand for tall forwards in the AFL.
It is understood rival offers outweigh that of the one the Eagles have tabled to the co-captain to remain at the club.
Channel 7’s Ryan Daniels reported on Wednesday night that Allen would remain captain despite the situation playing out in public.
Daniels is also reporting that Allen “has expressed remorse for the way it unfolded”.
It’s believed the Eagles see the meeting as part of the changing football climate which has changed since free agency.
Earlier this week, West Coast chief executive Don Pyke revealed he had no idea about the meeting between Allen and Mitchell before it occurred.
“It’s obviously news to us that that may have occurred,” Pyke said on SEN when asked about the meeting.
“But I think we’re working in the world now that’s changed from times gone past. I don’t think it’s unusual for clubs to meet with players, if that is the case.
“Clearly, we’ll keep talking with Oscar about his position at the club. We’d love to obviously keep him here, and we’re working towards that with him and his management.
“That sort of came to bear overnight, I guess, and we’ll work through that as we do with everything.”
Pyke said his indication was that Allen’s management was keen to “get a deal done” to keep the 96-game spearhead in blue and gold.
“Oscar wants to be here, and we’d love Oscar to be here. It’s really just down to those terms, and we’ve been in communication with Oscar and his management for a while on that,” he said.
“We’re optimistic, but we appreciate that free agency throws up a whole range of things for players to consider, and some of those are clearly beyond our control.”
