West Coast draftee Sam Allen declares he will return better than ever from ACL injury

West Coast draftee Sam Allen has declared he’s not coming back from his ACL to get back to his best — he’s aiming to be better than ever.

Allen was touted as a first-round prospect early in the year before the Oakleigh Chargers captain ruptured his ACL while training for Vic Metro.

The wingman slid to the Eagles’ second-round pick of No.29 on the second night of the draft and is already being touted as one of the steals of the year.

Patience will be required for everyone including Allen as he goes through his rehabilitation with an aim of being able to play again by the middle of next year.

He has been training away from the main group to start his AFL tenure and was seen doing stair work on Wednesday as his fellow draftees joined in for most of the main session.

Allen’s greatest strength is his incredible athleticism, having recorded an amazing running vertical jump of 101cm in the pre-season as well as breaking the six-minute mark in the 2km time trial.

And the new Eagle has 100 per cent confidence he will not only get back to the level but will exceed it when he’s back on the park.

“I am still in the early stages of my injury and the S and C (strength and conditioning) guys, and all the physios have brought me in and planning on taking really good care of me with the plans of trying to get me back better than ever for when I can return,” he said.

“To put it simply I’m 100 per cent confident that I will be able to not just get back to what I was but reach new heights.

“I’ve got full faith in the guys that will be looking after me and I’ve got full faith in myself that I’ll put in the hard work and do whatever I can to return to that level.”

Like many modern-day footballers, Allen has the ability to play in multiple positions, but the Eagles have few genuine wingman on their list, giving the 18-year-old an opportunity to cement a spot in the best 23 when he’s available.

“A few guys have said that but for me it’s really about playing in any role that I’m needed,” he said.

“I feel I have the versatility and ability to do that and be really adaptable within the team.

“The wing role is something I’ve always really enjoyed and on a big ground like Optus (Stadium) that would be a great role to play I’m sure, so I am looking forward to tapping into some of that.”

Interestingly, Allen has also chosen the No.12 guernsey at West Coast which was vacated by his namesake and former co-captain Oscar Allen, who moved to Brisbane as a free agent this off-season.

The teenager played down the significance of the number and locker when asked.

“I like the number 12, and I don’t put too much emphasis on the number.

“It’s probably more the player that wears it. I took number 12 eventually. A few jokes will be made about that for sure.”