He was traded to the Essendon Football Club following some foot injuries and made his debut with the club in 2004. He had a solid year, playing 20 games and helping Essendon to the finals (along with Justin Murphy, another recycled player). In 2005, he played one game before knee soreness resurfaced (which had kept him out of action for four games in 2004), and following this, at the end of the season Allan confirmed his retirement.