FORMER West Coast utility Matthew Allen is optimistic he can secure an AFL lifeline after transforming from a key forward into a big-bodied midfielder.
The 22-year-old is on the lookout for a second chance at the elite level after he was delisted by the Eagles last week.
The 193cm, 90kg Allen didn't play a senior game in his four seasons but performed strongly in the WAFL in the past two years.
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He was a joint winner of East Perth's best and fairest in 2018 having made the switch to the midfield in the second half of last year.
He's hopeful of receiving another opportunity.
"My manager's been speaking to a couple of clubs, (but I'm) really not sure how the next few weeks will unfold," Allen told SEN SA on Monday.
Matthew Allen in action for the Eagles during the 2018 AFLX tournament. Picture: AFL Photos
"I'm obviously really hopeful to remain in the AFL system, that's my dream and I certainly won't be giving that up.
"I'm weighing up my options at the moment and trying to figure out what's best to give it another shake."
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The 62nd overall pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, the South Australian product played 10 WAFL senior games in his first year at the Eagles before hamstring and foot injuries limited him to just two games in 2017.
But his past two seasons have shown what he is capable of, especially when he built his endurance over the off-season, which allowed him to run through the midfield.
"I was able to play some consistent footy in 2018 and transitioned into the midfield in the last six weeks of the season, which I really enjoyed," Allen said.
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Allen grew up in Mt Gambier in South Australia, played for Glenelg and was a talented cricketer who represented the state at underage level.
He said he can take plenty of positives from his four years at the Eagles.
"I would've loved to have cracked into the side and played a game, but I've been able to grow in a few different areas," he said.
"It's been a good four years, I've taken plenty out of it and hopefully it can help me in what's next."
