Allen hasn’t played since the first round due to cartilage damage and bone bruising that required minor surgery. Despite a lengthy recovery, the Eagles decided against reintroducing their co-captain through the WAFL.
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Instead, the 25-year-old completed an intensive training block and a rigorous match simulation on Saturday, preparing him for an AFL return. This bolsters a forward line currently led by the vastly improved goalkicker Jake Waterman.
“It’s been a tough 13-14 weeks now, so I’m just looking forward to playing footy at some level. I think I’m ready to go,” Allen said on Tuesday.
“The rehab staff have put together a really succinct program and we’ve done everything we can so when I’m available to play I’m ready to go. I have that confidence in myself.
“You don’t put your hand up to play if you’re not sure you can get through the rest of the season, so I’m ready to go and play for the rest of the year.”
Allen will return to a forward line transformed by Waterman’s form this season. The 26-year-old has kicked a career-high 33 goals in his first 11 games, including three bags of five or more, placing him equal third in the Coleman Medal race.
Allen, who led the Eagles with 53 goals last season, expressed excitement about the forward line’s improvement and looked forward to supporting Waterman now that he had showcased his significant talent.
“Everyone who’s followed Jake closely knows he’s always been capable of this. He’s just had to play a really sacrificial role and hasn’t been able to be deep forward for most of his career,” Allen said.
“I’m just going to support him as much as I can. He’s having a great year, so I think forward lines work well when you support each other.
“That’s what Jack (Darling) and ‘JK’ (Josh Kennedy) did for so long, they supported each other and tried to make each other better.
“So when I come back, I just want to make him, Jack, and all the boys I’m playing with better. I want to play a complementary role and help out in any way I can.”
When asked if he expected Waterman to play as the deepest forward, Allen said the key targets would figure out the best strategy on gameday. The Eagles also need to balance the selection and roles of fellow talls Jack Darling, Bailey Williams, Jack Williams, and Ryan Maric.
Allen praised Liam Duggan, who had stepped up to captain the team solo on gameday and had been “exceptional” with his individual form and leadership standards.
Amid progress in star free agent Elliot Yeo’s contract negotiations, the co-captain expressed hope that the dual club champion would remain in the west beyond this season.
“It’s incredibly important. He’s probably our best player when he’s up and going, and what he’s shown in the first half this year has been pretty exciting,” Allen said.
“Sometimes you forget how good ‘Yeoy’ is when he’s at his best because it’s been a couple years through injuries, and that’s something I know about as well.
“Him and Harley (Reid) definitely have a certain connection on-field and I think everyone watching can see that. I hope he can stick around.”
