Pick me: Eagles star Oscar Allen puts hand up to play
West Coast captain Oscar Allen has declared he's ready to return for their AFL clash with Essendon - but he has to wait to see whether coach Adam Simpson picks him.
And in another dose of good news, star midfielder Elliot Yeo is expected to turn his back on free agency and re-sign with the Eagles.
Allen featured in the round-one loss to Port Adelaide but has been sidelined ever since after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
The 25-year-old will return to the field this weekend, but whether it's in the WAFL or at AFL level remains to be seen.
Allen's fighting words on Tuesday would suggest he will be lining up for the Eagles against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
"I think I'm ready to go," Allen said.
"I have that confidence in myself. I'm just happy to be putting my hand up.
"I've still got to get through training (on Thursday), and like everyone else see if Simmo picks me or not."
Oscar Allen and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher contest the ball in Allen's only AFL game to date in 2024. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)
Yeo, an unrestricted free agent, is being heavily chased by rival clubs, but is set to sign a fresh three-year deal with West Coast.
It didn't appear that way just weeks ago as he weighed up the very real prospect of leaving as an unrestricted free agent.
"For a bit there, I was getting a little bit worried," Yeo told 96FM.
"But it (the communication) is open now, and hopefully we can come to an agreement."
Midfielder Tim Kelly is set to miss a third consecutive game due to an ongoing hip issue, while Harley Reid has one more week to serve on his suspension.
Allen has been doing match simulation work for the past three weeks, and feels his body is ready to stand up to the rigours of elite-level football.
"Yeah 100 per cent confidence (in my knee)," Allen said.
"You don't put your hand up to play if you're not sure you can get out there for the rest of the season.
"We haven't rushed it whatsoever. It's completely healed.
"If it was something I was already thinking about managing before I came back, I probably wouldn't be back playing."
Allen was West Coast's sole shining light in attack last year on the way to kicking a career-high 53 goals.
This time, he'll be stepping into an attack featuring the red-hot Jake Waterman, who has kicked 33 goals in a career-best season.
West Coast now have an embarrassment of riches up forward, with Jack Darling, Bailey Williams, Ryan Maric and Jack Williams among the other bigs vying for spots.
"It's a good problem, it's a good headache to have," Allen said.
The plethora of options and the career-best form of Waterman will allow Allen to be merely a "complementary piece".
"It's not like there's massive expectations on me to come out and dominate the games," Allen said.