Eagles’ star Oscar Allen gives high praise for Bunbury’s Isiah Winder, while Ethan Hughes soars in new role

West Coast star Oscar Allen has given high praise to Isiah Winder after the Bunbury star’s impressive showing during round 13 of the WAFL. The former Eaton Boomer played arguably his best game for the WAFL Eagles two weekends ago in the side’s 62-point loss to premiership fancies East Fremantle, claiming 26 disposals, five marks and two tackles to be named in West Coast’s best. Speaking on the Coast to Coast podcast, Allen, who has helped coach the WAFL Eagles in periods after being ruled out for the season due to a nagging foot injury, said Winder had made the most of a new role in the midfield. “I reckon that is the most footy he has had,” Allen said. “He is kind of that hybrid role that a lot of teams really want to have, a forward that can go into the midfield. “It is positive, he is a young player and he is developing, so it can only be good for him having good outings like that.” Winder was able to back up his impressive showing at the weekend, with 17 disposals and five tackles in the side’s 57-point loss to the ladder leading West Perth. Elsewhere in round 14, five of the South West’s best were named in the WAFL Team of the Week in one of the region’s best showings yet. Fremantle Docker Ethan Hughes tried his hand at a new position in the forward line for Peel at the weekend and did not look out of place. The former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault player has spent the majority of his career playing as an intercept marking defender, but was thrown forward for Peel in Saturday’s win against Perth and kicked two goals, had 21 touches and seven marks. Meanwhile, fellow Thunder player Traye Bennell put together a strong showing with 17 disposals, nine tackles and three marks to earn a Team of the Week spot for a third time. Elsewhere, Busselton product Jacob Msando had 18 possessions, five marks, three inside-50 entries and two tackles in East Perth’s loss to Swan Districts, while Aidan Clarke had 37 touches, 10 marks, seven inside 50s and four tackles for Swans.