West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has declared co-captain Oscar Allen has nothing to feel ashamed about after the free agent met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell earlier in the week.

Allen addressed the players about the highly publicised meeting on Thursday and then told the media that he felt ashamed and embarrassed amid a wave of criticism.

But McQualter doesn’t want Allen to feel that way.

“I do just want to say, without speaking for Oscar I don’t think he should feel ashamed of what’s happened,” he said.

“I don’t think that’s the right word. I’m understanding the situation isn’t ideal for everyone but it’s certainly not shame he should be feeling. I just want to support him in that space.”

When asked how Allen should be feeling, McQualter replied:

“It’s not my question to answer how Oscar should be feeling. Oscar’s got a job of co-captain of our football club. He understands that and he can’t wait to play this weekend.”

Experienced current and former coaches have defended Allen this week, saying stars are constantly meeting with opposition clubs to discuss their futures.

McQualter said that Allen’s meeting wasn’t an isolated incident.

“You’ve heard some of the most senior coaches in our industry, probably the people who are most informed of everyone in out industry speak of free agency this week. So it is what it is,” he said.

The drama surrounding Allen’s future stems from him being offered longer deals to leave the club. The key forward has said he wants to remain an Eagle but McQualter wouldn’t reveal whether he would ask List Manager Matt Clarke to change the offer to his co-captain.

“Of course a senior coach has say. That’s how it works. But I leave most of it to him and I’m focusing on coaching the team. I’m not going to talk publicly about our contract situations with our players,” he said.

Allen must now turn his attention to leading a young West Coast team as they prepare to face GWS on Sunday. The club has named three debutants – Tom Gross, Hamish Davis and Sandy Brock – and lost Jeremy McGovern (injured), Liam Ryan (ill) and Elijah Hewett (injured).

McQualter said he still had the option to play Allen in defence if required. Allen struggled as a forward in the derby and moved to the backline late. He finished the game with only four disposals.

McQualter said he was doing everything possible to help Allen to play well.

“He’s had a tough week. There’s no question about that. I’ve spent a lot of time talking with Oscar this week. He’s a proud man – a proud leader of our football club. He’s been doing this for a long time. I’m really confident he’ll come out and help us perform this week,” he said.

Tyler Brockman didn’t join the team on the flight to Sydney following the birth of his child during the week. But he will fly to New South Wales tomorrow.