West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen wasn’t surprised at the impact retiring champion Andrew Gaff had in the tense final stages as the Eagles snapped their interstate losing streak against North Melbourne.
Starting sub Gaff (nine disposals, three clearances) was inserted into the contest during the third quarter, and his courageous mark running with the flight helped set up Allen’s game-winning snap with 18 seconds remaining.
It sparked pandemonium in the Blundstone Arena stands as the large West Coast contingent of fans celebrated, and made for a more enjoyable flight home from Hobart on Saturday night.
“We haven’t had an away win for 12 months so it was something we were really focusing on going into the game,” Allen said.
“Those long flights home after a big away win are always a lot more fun than when you lose. It was just good for some of the younger boys to be able to experience that.
“’Gaffy’s’ second-last game, it was great for him to come on and have great impact as well.
“He’s an absolute pro and didn’t really surprise me him coming on and having great impact. That’s what he’s been able to do his whole career since he was 18 years old.
“It was really nice to be able to celebrate with him after the game as well.”
Allen, who bagged five match-turning majors against the Roos, typically credited those around him for his brilliant second-half performance.
It was the 25-year-old’s eighth game back from a long-term knee issue and the spearhead has been building by the week.
“Feeling really good. I remember before I came back having conversations like this and I think you’re always a little bit tentative when you return from a long-term injury,” Allen said.
“I think I’ve been really well supported by some great forwards around me.
"I think Jack Darling’s form … since he’s come back in the side has been unbelievable, and Jake Waterman has had a terrific year so he is copping a lot of attention and allowing me to have more of a free run at it than I have in the past.
“We’ve worked pretty well as a forward line as well since I’ve come back so just really enjoying being out there and playing footy to be honest.”
Allen spoke glowingly of Gaff’s influence on his career as a model professional and he is determined to send the dual All-Australian off with a fitting farewell in front of a huge home crowd against Carlton.
“For me, as someone who has grown up underneath him and who has been a real leader, role model and one of my best mates at the club it’s a massive motivation for me,” Allen said.
“Every game you’re going in with a team mindset of we want to win for the sake of you play professional sport to win games of footy.
"But I think there is an extra emphasis on it this week, and that’s not speaking for the group, that’s just me.
“But as I said this is a really important fortnight for the end of the season for us too, because we’ve made some good steps over the last four weeks but it’s all for nothing if we don’t perform in these last two weeks as well.”
