WEST Australian draft prospect Bo Allan says he and his often “overlooked” state teammates are out to prove a point in 2024. The Peel Thunder defender overcame an Achilles strain to star at the recent WAFL preseason testing event, where he placed third in the agility test.

The versatile 191cm prospect is bullish about the Black Ducks’ chances this year, citing the group’s hunger to be noticed on the national stage. Under returning coach Marc Webb, Allan says the squad is bonding well through strong blocks of training.

“Some of the talent is overlooked over here and being mates with all the guys here, I think we’ve got nothing to lose and we’re real hungry,” he said. “To come out and prove something in the champs would be really good.”

Western Australia is coming off a disappointing Under 18 national carnival, where the state won just one of four games to finish fifth. Allan turned out in each match and proved a shining light for the side, averaging 3.3 marks from his 7.5 disposals per match.

Naturally, he will be a leader among the state setup in 2024 as one of just two locals picked in the National Academy – along with Subiaco small forward Malakai Champion. Allan says the experience last year and ongoing achievements have helped him play with freedom.

“[State 18s] was really good. The coaches and players had confidence in me to do my role and play my matchup. It gave me a bit of self belief and going through that, I thought I did the task really well,” he said.

“[The National Academy] has been huge, that was a really big achievement for me. I’ve met with the boys twice now and got a couple games coming up under ‘Tarks’ (Tarkyn Lockyer). That should be really good, looking forward to it.”

Having cut his teeth in defence throughout his junior journey, the expectation is that Allan will once again take up a primary post down back. Though, he is anticipating a move to midfield when required as he adds to his nine-game Colts career.

“I’ve been a defender most of my life,” he said. “Coming off the state champs last year as an under-ager, I went back to Colts and played through the midfield and up forward and I was lucky enough to get on the end a few.

“It just adds another string to my bow, knowing that I can play down in defence, up forward a bit and now training in the midfield as well, so that should be good.

“I think the plan going forward is mainly down in defence and then when I need, to roll through the midfield and provide what I can there. Still early stages, so not too sure what’s to play out.”

Having worked through his preseason Achilles niggle, Allan says he is “feeling good” and looking forward to getting back into training. The goal this year is to find success in the National Championships and potentially play a League game upon returning from the state side.

Allan and the Thunder Colts are scheduled to play three preseason games next month – against South Fremantle, East Perth, and Perth – before taking on East Fremantle in their Round 1 fixture at Lane Group Stadium on March 30.