The star defender could be back just in time for finals.
To the dismay of the Eagles, a battered Jeremy McGovern hobbled off the pitch during the 2nd quarter of last week’s gutsy win against St. Kilda.
Despite the Eagles taking a big scalp to keep themselves in contention for a qualifying finals spot, the loss of McGovern was a sore blow for the Eagles.
Fox Footy cameras panned up to coach Adam Simpson, who couldn’t bear to watch, hiding his head in his hands in dismay, as yet another of his star players limped off the pitch.
The West Coast have been cursed this year with a host of injuries to some of their star players and the loss of McGovern is perhaps one of the biggest, just as the Eagles prepare for the 2020 AFL finals.
But there is some good news.
Eagles boss Craig Vozzo confirmed that Gov is likely to avoid surgery.
Phew.
“He’s had his scans, we’re waiting on a final review, but it’s looking like we’ve avoided surgery. At this stage, it’s looking like a three or four-week injury. It was good news overall because we were bracing for the worst.”
Craig Vozzo, speaking on Sunday night.
The four-time All-Australian has been one of the most influential players in this year’s Eagles squad, shoring up the backline, commanding the air, and racking up an impressive 35 intercepted marks in just 11 games, McGovern has been sensational.
Tim Kelly on Saturday night commented on the loss of McGovern stating, “what he (McGovern) brings to the table in a lot of ways is pretty irreplaceable and our backline doesn’t function without him. I’ll be having my fingers and toes crossed he’s not out for a long time.”
We also cannot commend Gov enough for how he’s put his body on the line throughout the year. And he’s been through the wars, particularly in the last two games, being a doubt to start against the St. Kilda last Thursday after suffering a thumb injury against the Bulldogs the week before.
Gov then came off the field during the first term of the Saints game after going up for a contested mark and coming off suffering a nasty collision, but returned to the field following a head injury assessment. No doubt the time off the pitch rest will benefit McGovern, allowing him to get his body fully right for what is set to be a very intense run of finals games.
But there is no doubt that Gov will be pining to get back in action for then.
And with the pre-finals bye taking place on the week of the 26th September, McGovern should hopefully have enough time to recover before the Eagles return for the finals.
Gov’s presence will certainly one of the biggest losses on the pitch and his defensive link up with Tom Barrass will be missed in the final game of the season against the Roos.