Prized draftee Bo Allan can’t wait to get to work with West Coast’s star midfielders after a nervous evening panned out into a dream result.
Allan, the top-rated WA prospect in 2024’s pool, slid further than many projections of a possible top-10 selection at the national draft, putting him in range for West Coast’s first pick.
But when the Eagles were on the clock, a pick swap with Port Adelaide – which only moved West Coast back from pick 15 to 16 and also netted the club selection 45 – raised the tension for Allan and his family.
The Power took Victorian forward Joe Berry, leaving the Eagles to swoop on the highly-rated 191cm Peel product.
“Very surreal. I was sitting there, the leg was going up and down. So nervous, but ultimately relieved,” Allan told westcoasteagles.com.au
Getting to stay in WA close to family in Mandurah and his friends was the perfect scenario for Allan, whose introduction to the blue and gold was meeting the legendary John Worsfold on stage to be presented his guernsey.
“Surreal getting to shake his hand and getting a photo up there is a great honour,” Allan said.
“I haven’t watched him play too much, but he’s a legend of the game.
“Over the moon. Obviously, it’s sinking in. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“Really proud and honoured to be an Eagle.”
Allan enjoyed an exceptional draft year, starring for WA in the under-18s championships before returning to Peel to play in the senior WAFL premiership as a rebounding defender.
He then excelled at the draft combine with his athletic traits – notably his leap, speed and agility.
In time, he sees himself pushing into the midfield and learning from the likes of dual Club Champion and premiership star Elliot Yeo, plus tyro Harley Reid, will expedite his progress.
“Obviously Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo in there would be a good duo to learn off,” Allan told 6PR.
“Elliot Yeo has been huge in there so taking leaves out of their books and just putting my best foot forward and getting the best out of the team and myself (is the goal).
“I’m quite raw in that area still but so keen to get to work in the midfield.
