Eagles’ gold suits stayer McGovern
STAR defender Jeremy McGovern is set to see out his career as a one-club player after following his instinct to sign a fiveyear extension with West Coast.
McGovern, who would have been a restricted free agent at the end of the season, had reportedly been offered a six-year deal worth more than $1 million a season by a rival Victorian club.
Fremantle was also interested in the key-position star.
But the 26-year-old West Australian was always keen to stay put at West Coast, with his new contract tying him to the club until the end of 2023.
The Eagles will now turn their attention to re-signing midfielder Andrew Gaff and ruckman Scott Lycett, with the duo both set to become free agents at the end of the year.
Gaff hails from Victoria, but the 26-year-old is settled in Perth and is leaning towards re-signing.
Nic Naitanui’s latest ACL injury has boosted West Coast’s hopes of retaining Lycett, who is keen to take on the mantle of being a No. 1 ruckman.
McGovern has established himself as the league’s best intercept defender, and he’s on track to earn a third straight All-Australian jersey this season.
The 196cm backman, whose partner Madison gave birth to their first child earlier this year, said he was stoked to be staying at West Coast.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and it was a gut decision to extend my contract,” he said.
McGovern was selected with pick No. 44 in the 2011 rookie draft, but his career was at the crossroads in late 2013 when he turned up to pre-season training overweight.
However, McGovern has blossomed into one of the AFL’s best players since then.