From Kindy Kid to Premiership Player: Oscar Allen Comes Home

There are not many people who can say they attended St Mark's from Kindy right through to Year 12, played for the team they grew up supporting, captained an AFL club and then won to win the AFL Premiership with the Brisbane Lions.

But that's exactly the journey of Old Scholar Oscar Allen, who recently returned to St Mark's for a special Q&A with his former AFL coach and our current Year 5 teacher, Mr Joel Martin.

The conversation gave our Junior School Students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional footballer, but it was Oscar's honesty, humility and humour that made the biggest impression.

One of the first topics was friendship. Oscar spoke about the strong friendships he built during his years at St Mark's and how those mates continue to support him today. In one of the highlights of the discussion, he shared that his best mates were there alongside him after the Grand Final, celebrating one of the biggest moments of his career.

Students heard about his journey from a Perth kid who grew up passionately supporting the West Coast Eagles, to the surreal experience of being drafted by the club he had always followed. He reflected on the moment it truly sank in that he was going to be an AFL player and the excitement of turning a childhood dream into reality.

But, as Oscar explained, the journey to the top wasn't always smooth.

Despite enjoying a successful nine-year AFL career, he revealed that injuries have tested him throughout his time in football. He has undergone many operations and missed more than 80 games, including serious knee and Achilles injuries. But rather than focusing on the setbacks, Oscar spoke about the lessons they taught him. His message was simple: focus on what you can control, learn from the tough moments and keep moving forward.

Oscar also credited St Mark's with helping develop many of the leadership qualities that have shaped his career. He spoke about the importance of being kind, respectful and building trust with people around you.

"I always wanted people to like me," he admitted, explaining that strong relationships with classmates and teachers helped him become a better leader.

When asked about moving interstate and becoming "the new kid" after joining the Brisbane Lions late last year, Oscar shared advice that resonated with many students. "Be honest and authentic," he said. "People can tell when you're being yourself."

The conversation shifted to the thrilling final moments of the AFL Grand Final, where his team the Brisbane Lions versed the Fremantle Dockers. Oscar described what was going through his mind with only minutes remaining and "Wharfie Time" ringing around the stadium.

"Our Coach, Chris Fagan, had played it for us the day before and he had said to use it as a refresher," he explained. "A reminder that we were still in it and that we needed to leave everything out on the field."

There were also plenty of laughs throughout the session. Asked whether Brisbane's previous premiership success influenced his decision to head north, Oscar jokingly replied, "Yes!"

Students were fascinated to hear about the players he admired growing up. His childhood hero was former Eagle, Whitford Football Club and West Perth product Mark LeCras, while other football greats, including Peter Matera, also featured in the discussion.

As the session wrapped up, Oscar left students with some valuable advice for chasing their own goals. "It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do," he said. "Give everything a try. You'll find something you're passionate about. Once you find that passion or goal, don't give up. Give it everything you've got, bounce back from challenges and keep going."

The visit wasn't just about football. Oscar enjoyed reconnecting with his former school, catching up with teachers and AFL coaches who had taught and supported him throughout his time at St Mark's from Kindy to Year 12. He even made a surprise appearance in the Library, where a Year 1 class was delighted to meet a real AFL premiership player. Adding to the nostalgia was the realisation that the maroon, blue and gold colours Oscar wore representing St Mark's aren't too different from those of the Brisbane Lions. Perhaps the clues about his future premiership club were there all along.

For students, it was an inspiring reminder that success doesn't come without obstacles. For Oscar, returning to the school where it all began was a chance to give back to the community that helped shape him.

And for everyone in the audience, it was proof that big dreams can start in a St Mark's classroom and, with hard work, resilience and a few great friends by your side, can take you all the way to premiership glory.