West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen says Eagles staying grounded amid western derby hype

West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen says the Eagles aren’t getting ahead of themselves, admitting their maiden win of the season was “the first step of thousands” in the club’s long rebuild.

But the injured star forward admits the western derby clash with Fremantle is still an “important game” for the young side.

The Eagles knocked over an undermanned Richmond at Optus Stadium by 39 points on Sunday, while the Dockers are coming off back-to-back losses following a 3-0 start to the season.

It has set the stage for one of the most highly-anticipated clashes between the cross-town rivals in years.

“I’m always nervous (before games) but I’m pretty confident in terms of the way we’ve played the last couple of weeks,” Allen told HIT WA.

“We’re trying to form a bit of a brand and identity in how we play so hopefully something that our fans can be proud of when they watch us. I’m just hoping that we replicate it.

“You want to do it for a long period of time until that is something you stand for.”

Allen, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, says it’s a great opportunity for younger players to get a taste of a finals-like atmosphere while the club is in the thick of a rebuild following a wooden spoon season last year.

“Playing against Freo, it’s a great opportunity for young players who haven’t played in finals or anything yet,” he said.

“It’s a good atmosphere of high intent footy and our fans have been great, hopefully, we will get near on 50,000 there again.”

But while a competitive performance against Sydney and a win over an undermanned Richmond has moved the Eagles in the right direction, Allen admits the club has a long way to go.

“I think we’ve taken the first step, but like the first step of thousands,” Allen said.

“There’s still a long way that we need to go to keep building. No one’s getting ahead of themselves whatsoever.

“It’s a pretty important game this weekend.”

As for when the club might get their spearhead back, Allen said he couldn’t give a “specific timeline” on his return.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played since round one after requiring surgery on his knee.

“I can’t say in six weeks, because it’s a bit of a wait and see,” he said.

“But it’s trending in the right direction and hopefully back out there soon.”