The immediate playing future of West Coast Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern is now uncertain, following ongoing concussion symptoms that have prompted a referral to the AFL’s concussion panel for further evaluation.
McGovern, a five-time All-Australian and key figure in the Eagles’ 2018 premiership team, remains under concussion protocols and is currently unavailable for selection. The 33-year-old sustained a head knock during a marking contest in West Coast’s Round 8 match against Melbourne on May 3, and has since struggled with lingering effects.
Since debuting in 2014, McGovern has played 197 games for the Eagles, earning a reputation as one of the premier defenders in the AFL. However, due to a history of multiple concussions, his situation is more complex, prompting the club’s medical team—alongside the AFL’s chief medical officer—to recommend that he be assessed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.
“Jeremy’s health is our top priority,” said Eagles General Manager of Football, Gavin Bell. “He has not progressed through concussion protocols due to persistent symptoms. Given his history, it’s a more complicated case, and the referral will help chart a safe path forward, focused on both his short- and long-term wellbeing.”
The incident that sidelined McGovern occurred when he collided with Melbourne’s Harrison Petty during a contest initiated by Demons forward Jake Melksham. While Melksham marked the ball and a free kick was awarded to McGovern, the match review officer found no fault on Melksham’s part.
As the club awaits the panel’s findings, Bell acknowledged that outcomes may vary significantly. Potential results could include extended rehabilitation plans, further specialist evaluations, or—in the most serious scenario—medical retirement.
This situation adds to a growing list of players forced to step away from the game due to concussion-related issues. The Eagles have previously seen Luke Edwards, Brad Sheppard, and Daniel Venables retire early for similar reasons. League-wide, Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy and Josh Carmichael, Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw, and the Bulldogs’ Aiden O’Driscoll have also faced career-ending consequences from repeated head trauma.
The AFL continues to confront the long-term implications of concussion as cases like McGovern’s underscore the need for careful, health-first decision-making.
