Gerard Healy has declared West Coast forward Oscar Allen the best young tall in the AFL as things stand.
Allen, a second-round draft pick in 2017, has 38 games under his belt and is honing his craft under premiership Eagles forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
The 21-year-old averages a goal a game across his three-year career and provides coach Adam Simpson with a genuine third marking forward inside attacking 50.
Healy believes Allen is the competition’s best forward who is 22 or under.
“They’ve got an amazingly good side, it’s ageing in some areas, but they’ve got Oscar Allen coming through – and Oscar Allen is probably the best young tall in the game as we speak,” Healy told Sportsday.
“If you were going to pick somebody who’s 22 or under to play in a key position, I’d like somebody to point out someone who is better than Oscar Allen?
“This kid is a very good player.”
The Brownlow Medallist is convinced that West Coast will finish in the top four after failing to secure the all-important double chance last season.
As a result, the Eagles crashed out in Week 1 of the finals to eighth-placed Collingwood in a major boilover.
“They should finish top four. I’d be surprised if they don’t make the top four,” Healy added.
“Unless injury batters them, they’ll be top four. I’m convinced of that.”
West Coast host Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in Round 1 on Sunday.
