WEST Coast midfielder Jack Redden admits he doesn't know if Josh Kennedy will be risked for a "danger game" against Brisbane, but says the Eagles are confident youngster Oscar Allen can fill the star spearhead's shoes in the season-opener.
Kennedy played about 50 minutes of an intraclub last Friday, his only round-one match simulation preparation after shoulder and foot issues, and there is doubt about the Eagles' willingness to roll the dice with the dual Coleman medallist.
Allen performed strongly in both JLT Community Series games, booting five goals as a foil for main target Jack Darling, and appears primed for his third career appearance, even if Kennedy is unavailable.
The 19-year-old (he turns 20 on Tuesday) helped the Eagles secure second spot on the ladder in round 23 last year at the Gabba, and was useful forward with 14 touches and six marks in Kennedy's absence.
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"I think we've seen glimpses last year he's really comfortable in that role. He took a lot of great marks and filled that role really well," Redden said.
"He's a great young talent. He reads the play really well, he reads the flight of the ball really well.
"I think he's a quality young man and it's going to be exciting for the footy club for years ahead."
The Eagles' hierarchy and medicos held a meeting to discuss Kennedy's program on Monday morning, and Redden believed the 31-year-old had pulled up well.
"It's going to be up to match committee and sports science boys to make that call. I'm not sure exactly how it's going to play out for that first game," he said.
"He was jumping at the footy (in the intraclub). He doesn't have to have a heap of it to have an impact on the game, but he seemed like he was running and jumping at the ball really well.
"As far as I know, he's almost ready."
Redden, who played 129 games for Brisbane, is preparing for his fifth game against his former club this Saturday night.
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The 28-year-old was confident the Eagles had prepared well coming off their epic Grand Final victory but conceded they wouldn't know if there were any signs of a premiership hangover until matches started.
Brisbane is a popular tip to climb the ladder after winning five games and finishing 15th last year, and Chris Fagan's young Lions loom as a tricky test.
"I watch them with interest. It's good to see them going well at the moment. They improved a lot last year and probably lost a few close ones," Redden said.
"They're on the up and they're going really well, so it's going to be a bit of a danger game round one."
