Former West Coast Eagle Oscar Allen to debut for Brisbane Lions with West Australian Zane Zakostelsky

Former West Coast captain Oscar Allen will begin his quest for a maiden flag with his new side on Saturday, with the reigning premier Lions confirming he will debut alongside a West Australian youngster.

Allen was one of the big offseason movers after a year of speculation and impressed in preseason hitouts for Brisbane until copping a concussion.

But coach Chris Fagan has confirmed the spearhead will play in the Opening Round fixture against Western Bulldogs, the forward’s first taste of a home game at the Gabba.

Allen will wear No. 4, having worn No. 12 at the Eagles.

WA fans will also need to keep an eye out for the long-awaited debut of ruckman Zane Zakostelsky, who was drafted from Claremont with Pick 51 in the 2023 draft.

The 196-centimetre 20-year-old grew up playing Basketball before pursuing an AFL career and can play either forward or in the ruck.

Zakostelsky revealed the moment he learnt of the news, saying it was “very special”.

“When I got told I was playing, my heart dropped, and it was just pure joy,” Zakostelsky told club media.

“It means the world to me, and it’s the stuff you dream about as a kid, so running out there is going to be very special.”

Fagan said he was confident Zakostelsky could make an immediate impact while announcing the news to his teammates.

“I don’t know whether anyone with the initials ZZ has played AFL football before,” Fagan said.

“But Zane Zakostelsky, after a really good preseason and some good form in the games that we have played, we’ve decided to select you this weekend, so congratulations.

“Early days, when you got here, you had a lot of injuries you were trying to overcome and get on top of your body.

“Last year you really started to improve, this year in the preseason you’ve done super well. We look forward to your contribution on the weekend; all you have to do is your best and play your role – you know that, and if you can do that, it will help us enormously.”