Allan gets his wings
Exciting youngster Bo Allan will make his AFL debut in round eigh
Talented defender Bo Allan will make his West Coast Eagles debut on Saturday night at Optus Stadium against Melbourne.
The left-footer was a clear standout in the 2024 WA draft class, taken with pick No.16, and will become the 300th AFL player to represent the Eagles.
The Mandurah local starred for WA in the under-18s championships last year, before returning to Peel to play in the senior WAFL premiership.
Allan is highly regarded for his professionalism and leadership attributes, which have been evident on and off the field while featuring in the WAFL Eagles side this season.
The 19-year-old made an immediate impression during pre-season, but his hopes of a round one debut were dashed by illness. However, he has averaged 19 disposals in three WAFL matches to earn his call up.
“I’m very excited, all the emotions are flowing at the moment,” Allan said of his debut.
“There was a little meeting in the gym and ‘Bunga’ (Shannon Hurn) broke the news to me.
“I called my dad first and it went to voicemail, so mum got the first call.”
Allan said fellow defender Liam Baker has had a big influence in his budding career so far.
Playing alongside Liam Baker, the way he goes about it and his attitude, I think it’s great and I’ve been trying to take a leaf out of his book,” Allan said.
West Coast take on Melbourne in front of their home fans on Saturday night, and Allan said he’s looking forward to the atmosphere.
“I’m a bit nervous, but it’s going to be unreal with a great atmosphere,” he said.
“We love the fans.”
Allan becomes the third member of last year’s draft crop to pull on the blue and gold, following Tom Gross and Hamish Davis, with 2023 draftee Archer Reid and SSP recruit Sandy Brock also joining senior ranks this season.
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