West Coast Eagles young gun Oscar Allen is in the running to claim the 2019 NAB Rising Star title after winning the round 21 nomination following an impressive display against Adelaide.
Allen wreaked havoc in the forward 50 at Optus Stadium on Sunday, booting three goals from 10 disposals.
He also stuck six tackles, reeled in three inside 50 marks and won five hitouts against experienced Crows’ big man Sam Jacobs.
The West Perth product has all but cemented his spot in the senior team this year, playing 19 of a possible 20 games after mustering two senior appearances in his rookie 2018 season.
He has demonstrated an ability to play across all lines and bob up at critical moments.
Arguably the biggest moment of his career was against Adelaide in round 10, when he pounced on a loose ball late in the fourth quarter, tapped it to himself and dashed into an open goal square to seal a memorable comeback victory away from home.
Of all the players eligible to take out this year’s NAB Rising Star award, Allen is ranked second for total one percenters; third for total hitouts and goal assists; fourth for total contested marks; and fifth for total marks inside 50.
He is the second Eagle to be nominated for the award this year.
Jack Petruccelle won the round five nomination following his blistering five-goal performance against Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium.
