McGovern a certainty to play

WEST Coast defender Jeremy McGovern has declared he’s “100 per cent ready” to play as fears yesterday lingered about the key Eagle’s hip injury.

McGovern, 26, hurt his hip in last weekend’s preliminary final win against 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 that he would definitely face the Magpies today.

“It’s sweet. No issues,” he said. “(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 that 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 with his name sticker at one point re- moved from the vehicle he was set to share with teammate Chris Masten.

McGovern (left) was the last West Coast player to make his way to his car – once the sticker had been re-applied, of course.

“Nearly didn’t (come), but I got here. I’m here now,” he smiled.

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.