West Coast star Jeremy McGovern to front AFL Concussion Panel

Eagles great Jeremy McGovern may have played his last AFL game as he prepares to front a concussion panel after failing to recover from a big hit against the Dees in round 8.

West Coast great Jeremy McGovern may have played his last game as he prepares to front the AFL Concussion Panel.

The champion defender was concussed in round 8, when Melbourne forward Jake Melksham eased him into a contest, and he has not made progress through the steps of the league concussion protocols.

Melksham was cleared by the match review process following the incident.

McGovern, 33, has copped multiple head knocks and Eagles footy boss Gavin Bell said on Tuesday that the club would put his health first before considering a return to the field.

His list of head injuries includes concussions in a 2018 pre-season match and delayed symptoms in July, 2023.

McGovern hasn’t played since the incident. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Several players have been forced to retire through the AFL’s concussion panel.

Last year Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw, Magpies Josh Carmichael and Nathan Murphy and Bulldogs youngster Aiden O’Driscoll were all forced into retirement after a panel review.

Bulldog veteran Tom Liberatore fronted the panel last year after four concussions in 12 months but was given the tick to keep playing.

Bell said a date had not been set for McGovern’s assessment after consultation with club doctors and the AFL sent him to front the panel.

“We are awaiting a date for the panel to convene and assess Jeremy, and there are a range of outcomes that could result from their report,” Bell said.

“These may include personalised treatment or rehabilitation plans, an extension of the return-to-play time frame, recommendations for further tests or specialist referrals, or retirement on medical grounds.

“The Club requests Jeremy’s privacy is respected at this time while this confidential process unfolds.”

McGovern is one of the best tall defenders of the AFL era, having won his fifth All-Australian blazer last year.

He remains club vice-captain and has played 197 games.

McGovern signed a one-year extension in February that was expected to carry him into the 2026 season.

Originally published as West Coast star Jeremy McGovern to front AFL Concussion Panel