West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Oscar Allen will be helped through a form slump but dips in performance were fact of AFL life that young players had to face.

However Simpson did confirm that Jeremy McGovern could be given more time as a back up ruck option for Nic Naitanui, one of several roles that Allen has been asked to play.

Speaking before the team flew out to Melbourne on Friday for their Saturday clash with Collingwood at the MCG, Simpson said Allen had been sore for a number of weeks and there had been talk about resting him when the team had to deal with back to back six day breaks.

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”His form has been down a bit. He has been playing a very similar role since he came into the side. He has been a very good versatile player for us,” he said.

“That has been difficult for him the last few weeks, whether he has been a forward ruck or a forward that pinches down back or just a permanent forward we have tried a few things.

“He is working through some form. We will do everything we can to help him. That is what happens to young players.”

Simpson said if the Eagles played Allen as their back up ruckman they could end up small. If they played a second specialist ruck as back up to Naitanui they could end up too tall.

“In the past he has been very good at adapting to each role and still holding high levels of performance. I am not surprised there is a dip here and there. We will do our best to look after him.”

“The two six day breaks were a challenge for him. There were conversations over whether he needed a rest. He got through it and his body is feeling as good as it has been. These are the type of things you have got to work through as a young player but there is a limit as well.”

He said McGovern, who was used as a part-time ruckman last week, understood ruck craft well and was likely to get further opportunities in the role.

“It is good to have him as an option and we are talking about Ozzie and Gov can be part of that second ruck solution. We are exploring some things this year so we will see how we go.”

Simpson warned Collingwood had become more aggressive with ball use since Nathan Buckley stepped away from the senior coaching role and would be a genuine challenge.

“Their pressure has increased. Their defence has probably tightened up a little bit and they are a lot more attacking. They are a genuine threat.”

He wanted the gap between his team’s best and worst football narrowed, he said.

“Sustained work rate, effort, four quarter performance - that is what has been missing this year. The basics. I think last week and the week before we are getting close to a consistent style of play.”

“That is what good teams do. The momentum swings aren’t as large.”