Star West Coast spearhead Oscar Allen’s remarkable comeback season has been recognised with selection in the 44-man All-Australian squad for the first time in his career.
Sidelined by a foot injury for the entire 2022 campaign, Allen bounced back in style, booting a personal best 53 goals and playing every game.
The 24-year-old Eagles leader kicked majors in all-but one match this season – against Carlton in round 19 when he was sent into defence early – and he was remarkably consistent in a side that struggled for inside 50s.
Allen kicked four goals in four matches, including the final round against Adelaide, and snared multiple majors in 18 games, stepping into retired champion Josh Kennedy’s sizeable shoes with aplomb.
The final team of 22 picked in the All-Australian team will be revealed on Wednesday, August 30 as part of the AFL Awards.
The 2023 All Australian selection panel is Gillon McLachlan (chairperson), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Andrew Dillon, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, Cameron Ling and Matthew Pavlich.
Selection in the All-Australian extended squad is another milestone for Allen, who was a Rising Star nominee and West Coast's Emerging Talent Award winner in 2019, and named the Chris Mainwaring medallist as Best Clubman last year.