BRISBANE has signed West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen as a free agent, with the Eagles receiving pick No.2 as compensation.
Allen, 26, has long been expected to join the Lions after seven seasons with the Eagles.
The forward, who has played just 23 games across the past two years, was a restricted free agent.
With the Eagles opting not to match the Lions’ offer, they will receive pick No.2 in the Telstra AFL Draft, adding to the No.1 selection they already hold as wooden spooners.
West Coast now holds picks 1, 2, 13, 34, 38, 53 and 58 in the draft.
It means just four clubs currently hold the first eight picks in the draft; the Eagles have picks 1 and 2, Richmond picks 3 and 4, Essendon picks 5 and 6 and Gold Coast picks 7 and 8.
Allen was the Eagles’ leading goalkicker in 2023, when he booted 53 goals in 23 games.
“The club continued to negotiate with Oscar and his management group throughout the year however we were unable to reach a suitable agreement,” Eagles head of football John Worsfold said.
“We understand the landscape of free agency and the players’ right to explore, and we have decided not to match Brisbane’s offer presented to Oscar.
“As a result, we have received free agency compensation at selection No.2 overall, which will allow us to add more elite young talent via the draft in line with our list management strategy.
“As we farewell Oscar, we wish him and his fiancée Lorna every success for their next chapter.”
The move means Brisbane, the two-time reigning premiers, have secured both Allen and Sam Draper as free agents this off-season, although Brandon Starcevich has landed at West Coast and Callum Ah Chee is set to be traded to Adelaide.
“We are very pleased to welcome Oscar to the Brisbane Lions and look forward to seeing him get back to his best in 2026,” Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio said.
“Oscar is a talented player who we see bolstering our forward line, and as a former captain he adds further leadership experience.
“To have secured Oscar and Sam Draper this trade period is a great result and we see both players really strengthening our list.”
