Key forward Oscar Allen, who missed all of last season with a foot injury, continued to build on his strong body of work with a solid contribution against Richmond.

Allen, opposed to athletic Tigers defender Noah Balta, was a reliable target as he led with purpose and marked strongly, leading to him kicking four of his team’s eight goals.

The feisty Eagles forward took three of his seven marks inside the forward 50. Allen sits in fifth place on the goal-kicking ladder this season despite minimal opportunities as his team has battled, particularly in the last month with a mounting injury list.

Allen is one of the young leaders in the group and is making a statement and setting an example with his own performances.