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AAP
AAP
Shayne Hope

Eagles skipper backs Schofield as coach hunt continues

West Coast's Oscar Allen (L) is enjoying his time playing for interim coach Jarrad Schofield (R). (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen doesn't expect to have any say in who is appointed as the club's next full-time coach but has thrown his support behind interim boss Jarrad Schofield.

Allen has been buoyed the Eagles' improved form over the past five weeks under Schofield, who was thrust into the hot set when Adam Simpson moved on last month.

The 49-year-old has a 2-3 record at the helm after consecutive wins over Gold Coast and North Melbourne in the past fortnight.

A five-person panel led by West Coast chief executive Don Pyke was appointed last month to steer the coaching selection process.

Eagles general manager of football Gavin Bell, directors Jan Cooper and Rowan Jones, and former Geelong premiership star Harry Taylor are also part of the group.

"We're kind of in the weeds of it week to week and playing," Allen told reporters on Monday.

"Also, I'm a 25-year-old young man, so I don't really know what's the best going forward.

"I might have an opinion but smarter minds will prevail and they'll make the right decision. I've got full confidence in the footy club.

"In saying that, I've loved playing for Schoey the last (five) weeks and the group are clearly buying into some of the principles he's setting for us."

Celebrating West Coast players.
Eagles players celebrate after their thrilling five-point win over North in Hobart. (Linda Higginson/AAP PHOTOS)

Highly-rated assistants and former West Coast players Dean Cox (Sydney) and Jaymie Graham (Fremantle) have both told the Eagles they aren't interested in applying for the job Simpson held for almost 11 years.

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has also ruled himself out.

Current assistants Brett Montgomery (GWS), Daniel Giansiracusa (Essendon) and ex-Eagle Ash Hansen (Carlton) have all been touted as possible candidates, along with Schofield.

"I love playing for Schoey and I loved playing for Simmo," Allen said.

"I'm just a footballer and when you have a coach you give them everything you've got.

"Whether it was Simmo for the first eight years of my career or it's been Schoey for the last five weeks, I've thoroughly enjoyed playing for them.

"Every time you go out there as a player you're playing for the coach and the football club and our fans.

"So I'd endorse both of them, but to be honest I don't really have much say in it."

Allen is eager to see West Coast finish the season strongly in games against Carlton and Geelong.

The Eagles host the Blues at Optus Stadium on Sunday and will be aiming to record three consecutive wins for the first time since May 2021.

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