Carlton tells star recruit Mitch McGovern to improve his fitness
Mitch McGovern admits he’s hurt but the decision to drop him for being in poor shape has put the rest of the squad on notice.
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Carlton midfielder Zac Fisher says the Blues’ hard line stance on Mitch McGovern’s fitness issues will help set a new benchmark for the club.
McGovern, 24, won’t be considered for senior selection while he completes a training block under fitness boss Andrew Russell.
The Herald Sun revealed the Blues had sent McGovern a strong message as part of a plan to improve his conditioning, training habits and professionalism.
Fisher said it was a reminder to the players they needed to stay in shape over the off-season.
“It’s a good standard and example for the group that if you don’t come back in good shape there will be consequences,” Fisher said on RSN radio.
“He hasn’t complained and is tackling it really well.”
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McGovern has endured a disappointing first season at Carlton, averaging eight possessions a game, since crossing over from Adelaide. He’s also suffered back, ankle and hamstring issues this season, restricting his training.
On Tuesday night, McGovern said the decision to leave him out of the team stung.
“I want to put my best foot forward and obviously the last few weeks I havent been able to do so, so it hurts me personally and also the team,” McGovern said on Channel 9.
Teammate and Rising Star favourite Sam Walsh said the club’s handling of the situation sent the right message.
“We want to drive elite standards and that’s how we are going to become a consistent football team,” Walsh said.
“He said he will come back with great work rate and intensity and get his body right so that he can get the best out of himself.”
The former Crows forward has failed to fire in his first season at Carlton and has been criticised for his fitness levels and lack of conditioning.
While the Blues have shown considerable patience and faith in McGovern, club officials, including interim coach David Teague, took a bold stand by dropping him for the game against Sydney on Saturday.
The club has made it clear to McGovern he must address concerns about his fitness and conditioning before he will be selected again.
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While no timelines have been set, McGovern will complete a block of training under fitness boss Andrew Russell.
McGovern is expected to be put through a tough program to help him meet expected standards.
In particular, he must show improvement in professionalism and training ethic to give him the best chance of performing on the field.
He did not play in the VFL at the weekend but might have to return through the reserves.
Carlton handed over pick No.13 to Adelaide as part of a trade for McGovern, who has kicked 17 goals and averaged eight disposals in 13 games this season.
McGovern’s brother, Jeremy, was banished from West Coast for poor fitness in 2015 under coach Adam Simpson and dropped 10kg during his time away from the club.
The Blues are hopeful a similar experience will prove pivotal for his younger brother Mitch, in helping him realise his potential at Ikon Park.
“I definitely deserved it,” Jeremy McGovern said.
“I had no one else to blame but myself. I was pretty unprofessional off the field.”
Carlton last year traded two second-round picks (No.26 and No.28) and the rights to SANFL star Shane McAdam to Sydney to secure No.13 which was on-traded to Adelaide for McGovern.
Carlton also handed over its future fifth-round pick in exchange for the Crows’ future third-round pick to help sweeten the deal for Carlton.
Injuries have also affected Mitch McGovern’s conditioning, including an ankle concern and a back fracture suffered in the pre-season.
The Blues are hopeful the strong message will inspire him to keep in good shape throughout the off-season.
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Carlton wants its new recruit to return in good condition and have a strong 2020 pre-season campaign.
The Blues said on the club website: “The off-season recruit has been managed through several injuries over the season, which has had a significant impact on his ability to train from week to week.
“He will now be able to build his training loads back up before returning to the side.”
Former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon said McGovern faced a brutal few weeks.
Russell often describes time with him in a training block as time in “the cage”.
“I fear for him because if he is having a training block under Andrew Russell then God help him,” Dixon said.
“He’ll be exhausted, he’ll be spewing his guts up.
“And that’s what he needs.”
AFL legend Wayne Carey said the Blues should have made the move earlier.
“They should have done it three or four weeks ago,” Carey told the Don’t Argue podcast.
Originally published as Carlton tells star recruit Mitch McGovern to improve his fitness