Trade talk: Eagles react to Allen’s Hawks meeting

West Coast CEO Don Pyke has commented on Oscar Allen’s meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.

Pyke insisted the Eagles were unaware that the club’s co-captain had met with the Hawks.

He says contract negotiations with the 26-year-old’s manager Andrew McDougall will continue as they strive to keep him in royal blue and gold.

“It’s news to us that that may have occurred,” Pyke said on SEN WA Mornings.

“I think we’re working in a world now that’s changed from times gone past.

“I don’t think it’s unusual for clubs to meet with players and that is the case, then clearly we’ll keep talking with Oscar about his position at the club.

“We’d love to obviously keep him here and we’re working towards that with him and his management.

“It came to bear overnight, I guess, and we’ll work through that as we do with everything.”

Is Pyke confident, optimistic or hopeful of keeping Allen at the club?

“I think both parties would like to get a deal done, that’s always a good start when you’re negotiating something,” he replied.

“If Oscar wants to be here we’d love Oscar to be here. It’s really just down to those terms and we’ve been in communication with Oscar and his management for a while on that.

“We’re optimistic but we appreciate free agency throws up a whole range of things for players to consider. Some of those are clearly beyond our control because I can’t speak for how other clubs may see or value Oscar.

“Clearly for us, he’s the captain of our club and we value him really highly. We’ll keep that communication up with him and his management.”

There have been calls to strip Allen of his captaincy but Pyke does not believe that should be the case at this early juncture.

“We’re dealing in the world whereby there’s free agency coming up ahead,” he said further.

At the moment it’s not like he’s come out and said, ‘I’ve committed to go elsewhere’.

“Oscar’s a pro, Oscar’s not going to necessarily down tools and say he’s going elsewhere. He wants to see this club back where it (should be) and he’ll want to make sure he’s doing his bit.

“I don’t see that as a decision to make at this very moment.”

EARLIER

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell recently met with West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen in Perth.

SEN Sportsday WA host Peter Vlahos first reported Mitchell’s presence in Perth on Monday afternoon and SEN regular Tom Morris has since confirmed the meeting.

Allen, who is contracted until the end of this season, previously met with Brisbane and has now had talks with the Hawks during their bye week.

“Reports in Perth that Sam Mitchell flew there and met with Oscar Allen,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.

“I can confirm to you this morning that did happen. Sam Mitchell and his wife (Lyndall) flew to Perth over the last couple of days. They had another commitment there anyway, but they did meet with Oscar Allen.

“Allen has a big decision to make as a free agent.

“My understanding is, if he leaves West Coast it will only be for a Brisbane or a Hawthorn. Collingwood and Melbourne have also been in the mix and been spoken about.

“But he wants a team at the pointy end of the premiership window if he does leave.

“I think he’s a reasonable chance to leave. If you’re meeting with a coach of another club in Round 3 then you are seriously considering leaving.”

SEN Breakfast’s Garry Lyon assessed the news, wondering if Allen now has to have a conversation with his Eagles teammates regarding this situation.

“100 per cent,” said Lyon.

“He says, ‘Listen, I am 1000 per cent committed to you boys for this year and I will do everything I can to make us better. You also understand because at some stage you might find yourself in a similar position that this is a business and all I am doing is looking after my business’.”

Tim Watson says he doesn’t like the optics given Allen is a club captain.

“It’s a terrible look,” said Watson.

“Do you think that is an abuse of your captaincy and leadership in any way to be talking to another club about the possibility of moving?”

Former Melbourne captain Lyon replied: “It’s not something I would have entertained ever.

“But it’s a different world that we live in.

“Do you think Oscar Allen has compromised his leadership because he sat down with Sam Mitchell?”

Watson added: “100 per cent I do.

“I want my captain to be totally committed to the cause and to be the captain of the football club, and believing in him that he’s on the journey with me.”

Lyon said further, referencing Allen’s form: “So he’s sat down with Brisbane and he’s sat down with Hawthorn and he can’t get a kick. That’s not a great combo.”

Former Hawks captain Luke Hodge was also quizzed on the Allen meeting by Gerard Whateley.

“It was a no-no 10 years ago, that was definitely a non-negotiable (as captain),” Hodge said on SEN’s Whateley.

“I think in today’s game there is so much movement going on that you sit back and have to accept it.

“What it does do is it doesn’t send a good look to the rest of the team who are going, ‘Hang on, if we’re committed and we spoke earlier about leaders sacrificing their game for the benefit of the club...’

“If you’re a young person coming in and Allen is asking you to sacrifice your game but then there’s doubt he’s going to be there in 12 months, it does take away the power of what he’s saying.

“It’s interesting, but that’s how our game has evolved. With contracts that have been broken over the last couple of years, contracts don’t mean anything these days.”

Morris added that Harley Reid is also being chased by the Hawks but on this occasion Mitchell didn't meet with the former No.1 draft pick.