‘I will always bleed blue and gold’: McGovern announces retirement

The premiership player, five-time All-Australian and reigning John Worsfold medallist leaves an enduring legacy at the West Coast Eagles

West Coast Eagles champion Jeremy McGovern’s storied career has come to a close after a collective decision he should retire on medical grounds.

Following extensive consultation with his family, Club leaders and medical staff, McGovern has accepted a recommendation from the AFL’s Concussion Panel to immediately call time.

West Coast’s reigning John Worsfold medallist and a five-time All-Australian, McGovern finishes his career on 197 games and leaves an enduring legacy at the Club.

Recruited via pick 44 in the 2010 rookie draft, ‘Gov’ rose from the WAFL reserves to become one of the most decorated key defenders in the modern era.

A formidable presence at centre half-back, McGovern changed the game with his innate ability to read the play and take intercept marks, and his playing achievements stand comfortably alongside West Coast’s all-time greats.

“It's been an absolute honour to pull on the West Coast jumper for the past 15 years and it’s something that I will forever be grateful for,” McGovern said.

“As much as this isn't the way I would have liked to go out, I respect the decision.

“I'm gutted I don't get to pull the jumper on and run out one more time, but sometimes this is the way the game goes, and I am forever grateful to the West Coast supporters who have also shown me love and respect.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with my career over the journey.

“My family – Mum and Dad, my brother Mitch, my wife Madi and my three kids Hudson, Marlee and Lewie – have been my biggest supporters, as well as my friends who have been amazing through my whole time in the AFL.

“To the Club, I can't explain how much you have given me over my time here and I can't thank you enough for drafting a fat kid from Albany and giving him a crack.

“I’ve always loved the game and winning a premiership is every kid’s dream, but the lifelong friendships and relationships you build through footy mean more to me than anything.

“I will forever be indebted to West Coast and I will always bleed blue and gold.”

Hailing from North Albany via Warburton in WA’s remote mid-east, McGovern was the quintessential project player when he arrived at West Coast via a speculative rookie pick.

He had not yet made his AFL debut by the time he was promoted to the senior list at the end of 2013 following the maximum three seasons as a rookie.

However, Adam Simpson’s arrival as the new senior coach marked a turning point when McGovern was sent away to train by himself after returning to pre-season in less than peak physical condition.

Realising his opportunity might slip away, McGovern got to work with then-development coach Mark Nicoski and added the necessary professionalism to his raw talent.

The pay-off was almost immediate and he never looked back.

Aged 22, he made his debut in round six, 2014 against Carlton and played 13 games that season, before establishing himself in 2015 and becoming a key part of the Eagles’ improbable run to the Grand Final as the lynchpin of an innovative zone defence.

That breakout campaign earned him selection in the 2015 All-Australian squad, the precursor to an incredible run of four-straight All-Australian blazers between 2016-19.

But it was never individual honours that McGovern played for, and in 2018 he achieved the ultimate team success while etching his name into football folklore.

Playing in the 2018 Grand Final against Collingwood despite serious internal injuries, McGovern famously backed his judgement in the dying stages to come off his man and intercept Adam Treloar’s kick inside 50, starting the chain of possession that ended in Dom Sheed’s match-winning goal.

It was the pinnacle of an incredible journey from relative obscurity to becoming a West Coast Eagles champion.

“To see ‘Gov’ come from WAFL reserves when he was drafted through to what he has achieved as a premiership player and five-time All-Australian, it’s just a wonderful example to our current players,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell said.

“The opportunity is there for players to grab it, and ‘Gov’ certainly did. It didn’t start off easily for him and he had to get to work, focus on his strengths and develop his game.

“Even to overcome the injury setbacks he has battled in recent years to bounce back and become our Club Champion for the first time last year showed his commitment to getting the best out of himself.

“‘Gov’ was exactly the type of player you would love to play with because he was tough and courageous, wanted to win, but also off the field he cared about his mates and looked after others.”

Away from football, McGovern established a foundation in his family’s name alongside his father, Andrew, to assist young First Nations people transition into the workforce.

Inspired by his upbringing, McGovern wanted to do what he could to help – providing an insight into his caring nature beneath the tough exterior.

“Everything he has achieved on the field speaks for itself, but the quality person that he is only enhances ‘Gov’s’ standing amongst the greats of our football club,” Bell said.

“His charity work with the McGovern Foundation speaks to his character and willingness to help others.

“'Gov's' influence and leadership around the Club will be greatly missed but he has set an outstanding example, and there is no doubt this decision to retire is the right decision for him and his family.

“We thank him for everything he has given to our Club and community, and we wish Jeremy, Madison, Hudson, Marlee and Lewie every success and happiness in the future.

“The McGovern family will always be part of the fabric of the West Coast Eagles.”

Jeremy McGovern career achievements:

Recruited from Claremont/North Albany via pick 44 in the 2010 rookie draft

Debut in round six, 2014 against Carlton

All-Australian squad - 2015

All-Australian team - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2024

Most intercept marks in an AFL season - 77 intercept marks in 2018

West Coast Eagles Life Member - 2022

John Worsfold medallist – 2024. Runner-up in 2017.

Career games 197, career goals 38

Click here to read article