West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen says he feels "remorseful" and "ashamed" after it came to light that he met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell amid an uncertain future.
Allen entered the new season without a contract beyond 2025, and as a free agent, he appeals to many clubs in the competition, including Brisbane, Collingwood and the Hawks.
Last week, it was revealed that the key forward had coffee with Mitchell as he weighs up where to next in his career as the Eagles are in full rebuild mode.
It also comes as calls for the 26-year-old should be stripped of his captaincy.
Allen addressed his secret meeting on Thursday.
"I do feel remorseful towards our fans, staff, supporters," Allen said, according to SEN.
"I'm incredibly remorseful. I am going to continue my role as co-captain. Everyone feels like it's the right thing to do. I feel I'm still the right man to take this club forward.
"I've turned off my phone, and I don't have social media at the moment, but clearly it's had a massive impact on our supporters, and I've let them down. I'm keen to make sure this isn't a distraction. We want to move past this."
West Coast Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen has issued an emotional apology following a meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, to discuss the possibility of Allen crossing to the Hawks at season's end.
10 News First revealed on Monday that the meeting took place, opening aโฆ pic.twitter.com/Wr7evkP3WB
โ 10 Sport (@10SportAU) April 3, 2025
Allen revealed the difficulty he had when speaking to his teammates, but said he appreciated the support they've thrown behind him.
"I addressed them this morning (playing group); it was difficult," Allen added.
"I feel bad and ashamed in front of the boys. My actions have become a distraction this week, which is exactly what I don't want for this group. I addressed that, and now looking forward to the challenge this week.
"They're incredibly supportive of me; they all say I'm the man for the job alongside 'Duggo. ' On game day, I feel like I'm a calming presence for the young players. I wouldn't hold it against anybody if there was some bad feeling towards me.
"I don't think you want a role of leadership it just naturally evolves within you. Alongside Duggo, we compliment things well, and we are in a good position to lead the club."
Allen's form to date has been well below par, slotting three goals in the club's three losses.
West Coast will travel to GWS territory on Sunday, taking on the premiership fancy at ENGIE Stadium.
