INJURED EAGLE SAYS HE’S 100 PER CENT READY TO GO
AFL: West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern has declared himself “100 per cent ready” to play as fears linger about the key Eagle’s hip injury.
McGovern, 26, hurt his hip in last weekend’s preliminary final win over Melbourne and Eagles coach Adam Simpson confirmed yesterday the defender hadn’t trained all week.
The key tall was set to be put through his paces on the MCG in a final test yesterday afternoon but was adamant he would definitely face the Magpies today.
“It’s sweet. No issues,” he said.
“It should be fine. I’ll train this arvo and it’ll all be good ... (I’m) 100 per cent ready to go.”
He conceded he had been “a bit stiff” following the team’s flight from Perth but that was “nothing out of the norm” and he would not wear any extra protection on the corked area today.
Concerns surrounding the three-time All-Australian’s fitness were fuelled at the Grand Final Parade yesterday when at one point his name sticker was removed from the vehicle he was set to share with teammate Chris Masten.
McGovern was the last West Coast player to make his way to his car – once the sticker had been re-applied.
“Nearly didn’t (come), but I got here. I’m here now,” he said with a smile.
Simpson said West Coast anticipated McGovern would be fit to play but admitted it had been a concern.
“I don’t think I was extremely confident. I think I was extremely hopeful,’’ Simpson said.
“Someone like ‘Gov’, he just gets up. It’s just making sure it’s up enough to play in a grand final.
“I think he will be close to 100 per cent if he gets to the line and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.”