The West Coast Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 AFL season have been dealt a significant blow with two of their key players ruled out for the entire year due to serious injuries.
This latest injury crisis has left the club facing another uphill battle as they look to rebuild after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Premiership Defender Jeremy McGovern Sidelined
Star defender and former All-Australian Jeremy McGovern is one of the two players who will miss the entire 2025 season. McGovern sustained a devastating ACL injury during pre-season training, an injury that will require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Known for his intercept marking and leadership in the backline, McGovern’s absence will be keenly felt by the Eagles, who have relied heavily on his experience and defensive prowess over the years.
McGovern’s injury not only weakens West Coast’s defense but also leaves a significant leadership void. As one of the team’s most respected veterans, his guidance has been instrumental in shaping the club’s younger defenders. With the Eagles already struggling in defense during the 2024 season, McGovern’s loss adds further pressure on the club’s list management and coaching staff to find solutions in an already weakened squad.
Emerging Star Oscar Allen Out with Serious Ankle Injury
In addition to McGovern, emerging forward Oscar Allen has also been ruled out for the 2025 season after suffering a severe ankle injury. Allen, who was expected to play a crucial role in West Coast’s forward line, fractured his ankle during a pre-season practice match. The injury requires surgery, and the recovery period is expected to span 12 months, leaving him unavailable for the entirety of the 2025 season.
Allen’s injury is a major setback for the Eagles’ offensive structure. After a breakout 2024 season where he was one of the few bright spots for West Coast, Allen was seen as a key figure in their plans to rebuild and return to finals contention. With his versatility as both a key forward and a ruck option, his absence leaves a significant gap in the Eagles’ attacking options.
A Season Defining Crisis
The double blow of losing McGovern and Allen has left the Eagles facing a defining moment heading into 2025. With an aging list and a challenging trade period ahead, West Coast will need to rely on young, unproven talent to fill the void left by two of their most important players. The club’s depth will be tested, and the development of their younger players will be crucial if they are to remain competitive in the upcoming season.
While the West Coast Eagles have expressed their determination to move forward, the injury crisis has undeniably thrown their plans into disarray. How the club responds in the next few months will shape the trajectory of their 2025 campaign.
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