West Coast up-and-comer Bo Allan has credited backing from the club’s coaches as the driving force behind his impressive second season at AFL level.

After being taken by the Eagles with pick No.16 in 2024’s national draft, Allan endured a first year interrupted by illness and injury, playing only six senior games.

But the Peel Thunder product has made a strong start to the 2026 campaign, playing in all four of his side’s games and showing off plenty of speed across the wing, half-back and even as an inside midfielder.

Allan said his discussions with the coaching group had included regular emphasis on him showing off his ability to run and carry the football.

“They back me in, so to be able to show that a few times in the last couple of weeks has been really good,” Allan told SN.

“(Belief) definitely grows week-by-week. It was probably hard early on, last year was a different sort of year for me, but to start this year personally being able to be out there with the boys and being able to get some confidence and some trust, it’s really good.

“Another pre-season helps as well, and the team camaraderie that we have as well helps. Everyone gets along really well and it brings up individuals as well to be confident in their own ability.”

As well as his physical development, Allan said he had done plenty of work on the mental side of his game since arriving at the Eagles.

“I’ve been doing a lot of mindset work with our psychologist here to be able to grow in confidence,” he said.

“Last year was interrupted, and for me, being able to talk to someone and getting a bit more self-belief and confidence, that’s helped me and I’m going to continue to do it.”

Allan conceded his side’s 128-point thrashing from Sydney on Saturday was “a bit of a reality check” but said he was confident they would swifty bounce back in their Gather Round clash with Geelong on Sunday.

“We know Geelong’s had a loss, but they’re a mature side, they’re a great side, they’ve played a lot of finals footy,” he said.

“It’s definitely going to be a battle, for sure, but we’ll review their game as well and work on ways how we can bring or strengths and beat them on the weekend.”