McGovern’s signing puts heat on Lever

CROWS defender Jake Lever is under greater scrutiny as Adelaide has secured one key ace — versatile forward Mitch McGovern — on a three-year contract extension.

The Crows ended fears among an uneasy supporter base, tired of recently losing star talent, by ensuring McGovern, pictured left, ignored go-home lures from West Coast and Fremantle, in particular the Dockers, to commit to Adelaide until at least the end of the 2020 AFL season.

McGovern, 22, has overlooked more money and more tenure with Fremantle putting a five-year, $3.75 million deal before the West Australian. He also ignored seeking a move to West Coast to join his older brother Jeremy with the Eagles.

But in question is whether Adelaide’s new pitch to the forward — with an extra season on the original offer and substantially more money — signals concern in speculation that 21-year-old Lever is to follow a lure to Melbourne.

Lever has repeatedly put off settling his future, first declaring he was waiting for the new collective bargaining agreement that was signed on June 20 in Adelaide, and now preferring to focus on AFL finals rather than contract talks.

McGovern confirmed he had many things to consider, the most notable being the go-home options at Fremantle and West Coast.

“There were quite a few options available,” he said. “Considering other options was pretty difficult.

“Obviously, there was the go-home [lure] ... but I think this [Adelaide] is the best for my career going forward.”

The 35-gamer, who has made an impressive start to his AFL career, insists Adelaide is the best place to advance.

“I love the playing group I’m playing with, but also the staff and everyone involved,” McGovern said.