Brisbane Lions expect Oscar Allen to be available for Opening Round despite concussion in pre-season clash

Brisbane expect star recruit Oscar Allen will be fit to play in the club’s season opener in just over a fortnight, despite a concussion ruling him out of next week’s official pre-season hit-out.

The former West Coast captain donned his new club colours for the first time in a scratch match against Carlton on Wednesday, impressing early with a goal in the first term.

However, his day ended prematurely with a head knock forcing him to sit out the entire last quarter.

The club confirmed on Thursday that Allen had entered concussion protocols and would miss the pre-season hit-out with Gold Coast on February 26 but is expected to be available for Opening Round against Western Bulldogs on March 7.

Lions dual premiership defender Ryan Lester also sustained a concussion against the Blues and will miss the Suns clash.

Allen had enjoyed an interrupted first pre-season at the Lions, building nicely towards Opening Round after recovering from knee surgery that cut his final year at the Eagles short in 2025.

The 26-year-old was hampered by injury across his nine seasons, including missing the entire 2022 campaign with a foot issue.

Allen previously opened up about the harrowing effects of a concussion he sustained in 2021, where he described himself as “a bit brain dead” while on the field in a game against Essendon.

The forward said at the time it took him days to feel like himself again, after falling on his head in a marking contest. He suffered another concussion later that year against Brisbane, which he described as minor.

The Lions will hope Allen recovers well and is cleared to face the Bulldogs at the Gabba, with returning stars Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy also set to bolster the reigning premier’s attack.

Dual Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft said Allen has “made a huge impact”, named in the club’s leadership group in his first season.

“He was a captain of a football club, so he brings a lot in that sense, a leadership sense,” he said. “But I think that steadiness he provides to our forward line will help loads out down there.

“I think he’s been really impressive on and off the field.”