Glen Quartermain: Bo Allan pick represents a win of sorts for West Coast Eagles as trading continues

So West Coast got their man, local talent Bo Allan, after all. But in keeping with a draft/trade period that has been on the funky side of creative, the Eagles traded down to do it. When the Eagles’ first pick finally came around, shuffled from pick 12 to 15 after matching bids on Next Generation Academy talent, they traded it on to Port Adelaide for their first selection, 16, and a later one, 45. That enabled the Power to secure quicksilver half forward Joe Berry, a player West Coast’s cross-town rival Fremantle were interested in. The Eagles then swooped on Allan, a player who is expected to learn the AFL craft at halfback but with the potential to play inside mid. Allan is a 191cm big-bodied midfielder who was regarded as the likely first West Australian picked in this year’s draft and so it proved. He has already played against men, having featured at WAFL level where he played in Peel Thunder’s premiership side this year. Allan’s selection was no surprise given the Eagles were tipped to go after a dynamic midfielder to complement their youthful onball brigade led by Harley Reid and Elijah Hewett, with Reuben Ginbey also considered a long-term option there after he settles his career down at half-back. By securing pick 45, it gives the Eagles another pick in the third round of a draft that is considered deep, after they traded that to Hawthorn. They also have more draft capital if there is an earlier than anticipated bid on their own NGA talent Malakai Champion. The Eagles are expected to go after a key defender on day two of the draft after the loss of Tom Barrass to help Jeremy McGovern and Harry Edwards on the last line, as well as some more small to mid sized forwards. The Eagles now have a pick in the second round, one in the third, as well as a raft of later picks. They are also in need of more ground-level forward threats, with Jamie Cripps in the twilight of his career, Liam Ryan inching towards the back end as well and coming off a disappointing 16-game, 13-goal season, and Tyler Brockman still developing and Noah Long coming off a serious knee injury. The Eagles also secure mid-forward Matt Owies from Carlton during trade week, along with experienced premiership Tiger Jack Graham. Day one of the draft represents a win of sorts for the Eagles after they curiously traded back from pick three to 12 to secure Richmond’s Liam Baker, another Tiger with flags under his belt.