YOUNG tall Oscar Allen will relish being involved in West Coast's premiership bid, regardless if he makes way for star forward Josh Kennedy against Collingwood.
Allen performed admirably in his second senior match in round 23, picking up 14 touches and taking six marks after being called up for the trip to Brisbane.
The 19-year-old will almost certainly be squeezed back out for the qualifying final in only six days' time, with Kennedy (shin) set to return after five games on the sidelines.
But Allen, who has played in attack and defence this season, could only be one injury away from featuring in September.
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The 191cm youngster kept his form up with a hard-working effort in East Perth's 28-point elimination final defeat to Claremont on Sunday, providing a marking target and booting two goals – including a classy dribbler – despite scarce supply (34-57 inside 50s).
"It would be invaluable experience (to play Collingwood), but I'm just focusing on rocking up tomorrow to do my recovery and give myself every chance to be up for selection," Allen told AFL.com.au.
"I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm just looking forward to the experience.
"You can't control things in the future and I'm just trying to, when I get back to the club, give everything I can to help the boys in any way prepare and play a final against Collingwood on the weekend."
First-year Eagles Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan and Daniel Venables are gearing up for their first final against the Pies, alongside defender Tom Cole in his third season.
Allen is one of eight 2018 debutants – including Brayden Ainsworth, Jake Waterman, Jarrod Brander and Jack Petruccelle – who are on the fringes but aware of the opportunity that could fall their way.
"Around the club it's a bit of a joke all of us first-years think top-two (finish on the ladder) comes around every single year," he said.
"We know what a great opportunity it is and we saw today at East Perth how quickly it can be taken away from you.
"We have a squad mentality. Squads win flags, so we're just going to keep trying to work as a group to allow that to happen."
In a disappointing end to East Perth's season, yet-to-debut half-back Francis Watson (20 disposals) was among the Royals' best at Claremont Oval.
Brander (16, six marks) also battled hard in an overworked defence alongside Jackson Nelson (16).
Speedy small forward Petruccelle (12, one goal) was lively at times and Brendon Ah Chee (18, one) had his moments, but Waterman (12) went scoreless and struggled to get into the game on a difficult day for forwards.
The elimination final defeat could now make things tricky for West Coast's extended squad to stay match-hardened during September.
If the Eagles progress to a preliminary final, those not involved in AFL finals won't have played competitively for nearly three weeks.
Sunday's clash might also have been the last match of East Perth's alignment with West Coast.
The Eagles are eying their own WAFL team in 2019 after the Royals' decision to end their partnership.
