"Indebted" Premiership hero forced into immediate retirement

West Coast Eagles premiership legend Jeremy McGovern has been medically retired by the AFL’s Concussion Panel.

The five time All-Australian has been forced into early retirement due to persisting concussion symptoms following a head clash earlier in the season.

The premiership hero, 33, copped a nasty head knock during West Coast’s Round 8 clash with Melbourne, and had not forged a path to returning to football as a result of ongoing struggles.

A formidable presence at centre half-back, McGovern changed the game with his innate ability to read the play and take intercept marks, and his playing achievements stand comfortably alongside West Coast’s all-time greats.

“It's been an absolute honour to pull on the West Coast jumper for the past 15 years and it’s something that I will forever be grateful for,” McGovern said.

“As much as this isn't the way I would have liked to go out, I respect the decision.

“I'm gutted I don't get to pull the jumper on and run out one more time, but sometimes this is the way the game goes, and I am forever grateful to the West Coast supporters who have also shown me love and respect.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with my career over the journey.

“My family – Mum and Dad, my brother Mitch, my wife Madi and my three kids Hudson, Marlee and Lewie – have been my biggest supporters, as well as my friends who have been amazing through my whole time in the AFL.

“To the Club, I can't explain how much you have given me over my time here and I can't thank you enough for drafting a fat kid from Albany and giving him a crack.

“I’ve always loved the game and winning a premiership is every kid’s dream, but the lifelong friendships and relationships you build through footy mean more to me than anything.

“I will forever be indebted to West Coast and I will always bleed blue and gold.”

McGovern faced the Concussion Panel over a month ago for assessments. This was with the aim of determining a safe way forward in the interest of his current and future wellbeing, as expressed by the football club in a previous statement.

With the news of McGovern’s retirement, he becomes the ninth AFL player in just two years forced to cut their career short due to concussion.

The West Coast Eagles released this statement today:

West Coast Eagles champion Jeremy McGovern’s storied career has come to a close after a collective decision he should retire on medical grounds.

Following extensive consultation with his family, Club leaders and medical staff, McGovern has accepted a recommendation from the AFL’s Concussion Panel to immediately call time.

West Coast’s reigning John Worsfold medallist and a five-time All-Australian, McGovern finishes his career on 197 games and leaves an enduring legacy at the Club.

Recruited via pick 44 in the 2010 rookie draft, ‘Gov’ rose from the WAFL reserves to become one of the most decorated key defenders in the modern era.