FORMER North Gambier footballer Matthew Allen will remain a West Coast Eagle in 2019 with the reigning premiers this week announcing a one-year contract extension for one of its “most versatile players”.
Allen was one of three Eagles re-contracted on Monday in a show of faith in the 21-year-old utility who will return to Perth in just over a fortnight to start his fourth pre-season training program with the club.
And while he is yet to spread his wings at AFL level, Allen soared in the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) this year, named joint club champion for East Perth after a standout season.
The former Tiger averaged 16 disposals, five marks and a goal across his 17 games in Western Australia’s premier competition, delivering on the talent he showed when first selected at pick 62 in the 2015 national draft.
Originally touted as a key forward, the 193cm Allen embraced sporadic game time in defence with East Perth before a shift to the midfield over the last six weeks of the season where he produced his best block of football since joining the Eagles, a move the club says has “excited” coaching staff.
“I played midfield when I was younger so it was always something I wanted to trial in WA,” Allen said.
“Hopefully with another year I can spend some time with the midfielders over the preseason and push my case in that role.”
A frustrating run of injuries limited Allen’s opportunities in 2016 and 2017, but a breakout game this year in Round 5 of the WAFL against Peel Thunder signalled his arrival as a mature footballer.
Allen collected 19 touches, took eight marks and kicked five goals straight in a best-on-ground performance as the Royals claimed a 66-point win.
While the performance boosted his confidence, Allen said it was also an “eye-opener” about life as an AFL player.
“It is not always kicks and handballs that will get you into the AFL side,” he said.
“It is the little things, the way you play your role, and that might mean you don’t get a whole lot of footy.”
It was just one of many lessons Allen embraced throughout 2018, including how to deal with the pressure of a looming contract decision.
“At the start of the year I was beginning to get caught up in it.
“It was a thought in the back of my mind and it started to creep in.”
But Eagles assistant coach Adrian Hickmott – a “mind reader” according to Allen – helped ease his inhibitions.
“I had a few good chats with him and we did a bit of mindfulness work that really helped me.
“After that I stopped worrying about it really.
“I just tried to focus on what could get me another year as opposed to stressing about what wouldn’t.”
Twice named an emergency for the Eagles when playing at Adelaide Oval in 2018, Allen said he was grateful to be part of the club during a premiership season.
“I think it was a different experience for the boys not playing, but it was still awesome to be a part of.
“It (the grand final) was a roller coaster, we were all riding it.”
With celebrations in the stands spilling over to the hallow MCG turf, Allen sprinted onto the field in search of former housemate and close friend Tom Cole.
The young Eagle defender, originally from Warrnambool, became a premiership player in just his 27th senior game – six months after losing his father to cancer.
“Tom has had a real rough year.
“At the time all I was thinking about was him, just getting to him, giving him a hug.”
Witnessing the ultimate success will serve as motivation for Allen as he enters season 2019 which will be full of changes, including a restructure of the WAFL after West Coast and East Perth announced it would end its partnership.
Allen made a brief appearance in the inaugural AFL X competition earlier this year and while unsure whether he would return to the short format, he remained focused on earning selection for the Eagles’ opening JLT Community Series match.
“I haven’t played a JLT game since my first year and I’d love to have another crack.
“I think I’ve come a fair way over the last three years and it is the best way to push your case (for selection), especially someone who hasn’t been in the senior side before.”
Allen said heading into preseason it was the best he has been positioned so far in his quest to make his AFL debut.
“I’ve got my body to a stage where it is ready to play and I think I’ve developed a lot more on the field.
“Now it is a matter of working hard enough to get an opportunity, and then taking it.”
