Tearful McGovern ‘at peace' with decision to call time
West Coast great Jeremy McGovern says he's at peace with the decision to be medically retired because of concussion.
An emotional McGovern fronted both current and former teammates, staff and the media on Friday afternoon where he formally announced his retirement.
The five-time All-Australian was told by the AFL's concussion panel that he would not be able to play anymore after the latest in a series of concussions he sustained in the first half of the Eagles' round eight loss to Melbourne.
McGovern fronted the AFL's concussion panel last week and they had advised him to retire on medical grounds, ending his career after 197 games in 15 seasons.
'I've had a fair few weeks to think about it. It's not the way I want to go out but I respect the decision and it's the right decision as much as I hate to admit it,' McGovern said.
'As a player you want to keep playing forever but for me and my long-term health it's definitely the right decision and call and I'm at peace with it because I respect the game, and the game demands a lot from players and in this instance, it's unlucky for me but at the same time there's a beauty to it that it can get taken away at any time. Jeremy McGovern announces he has played his last game for West Coast after being medically retired by the AFL. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'I hope everyone cherishes it and understands what our players go through every time they run out on that footy field. It's sad I'm not getting the fairytale and all of that but I'm at peace with it, it's the right decision.'
McGovern was unsure how many concussions he'd sustained across his entire football journey and while he didn't want to delve into any lingering affects on his body, the 33-year-old conceded he had some to work through.
'I've still got to work through a fair bit of that. I don't want to stop here the whole time and talk about that, I'd much rather talk about all the positive things in my career,' he said.
'I've got to work through a few things after we get all this done and dusted, just to make sure that I am doing everything I can for my long-term health.
'More importantly just to put me at a bit of peace of mind that I am doing everything we can.' Jeremy McGovern announces he has played his last game for West Coast after being medically retired by the AFL. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
While the announcement comes eight days after he fronted the concussion panel in Melbourne, McGovern said he knew his time was up when he faced them.
'It didn't become clear until I went to the panel. There was obviously a fair bit of a lag there … I was anxiously waiting, hoping for the best but I think deep down I thought this might be the decision,' he said.
'And like I said before, it's a fair decision. I've had plenty of time to think about it and come to terms with it. It's the decision and I respect it.'
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