West Coast star Jeremy McGovern claims John Worsfold Medal as Eagles’ best and fairest player for 2024

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West Coast star Jeremy McGovern claims John Worsfold Medal as Eagles’ best and fairest player for 2024

West Coast great Jeremy McGovern has added one of the final accolades to his incredible career, claiming his first John Worsfold Medal as the Eagles’ club champion.

McGovern, who earned an incredible fifth All-*********** blazer weeks ago, finished on 184 votes to edge out two-time winner Elliot Yeo by seven votes, holding on despite missing the final game of the season against Geelong with a thumb injury.

The former rookie had a stellar season, averaging a career high 21 disposals as well as six marks from 19 games – the most matches he’s played since 2019.

McGovern’s previous best finish was a second place in 2017 to Yeo, who also returned to near his best after the pair had an off-season trip to Doha to help end their torrid run with injuries.

The 32-year-old finished the season as the second highest rated defender averaging 3.2 intercept marks and 4.4 spoils in an incredible season for the defender.

Camera IconJeremy McGovern. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

McGovern also missed several games in the middle of the season after he punctured his lung and fractured ribs after their loss to Melbourne in July.

The defender is also a five-time All-***********, with only Dean Cox and Ben Cousins (six each) having earned selection more times at West Coast.

Yeo, 30, also had his best seasons since 2019, playing 20 games and leading the Eagles in clearances (131), tackles (129) and inside 50s (94) while also averaging 22.5 disposals.

The midfielder has previously won in 2017 and 2018, while he was also runner-up in 2019.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconJake Waterman. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Forward Jake Waterman rounded out the top three on the back of a career-best season which ended with the son-of-a-**** booting 53 goals in 20 games to earn All-*********** selection for the first time.

Waterman, 26, polled 155 votes to land on the podium, with co-captain Liam Duggan (141) and emerging defender Brady Hough (136) rounding out the top five.

It comes 12 months after Waterman’s career was at a crossroads because of a serious illness, returning to full fitness in 2024 to become one of the best forwards in the competition.

No.1 draftee Harley Reid finished a remarkable ninth in his first year with 114 votes, while also earning the Emerging Talent award after an incredible debut season which featured several highlights.

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==Camera IconHarley Reid. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Duggan was awarded the Chris Mainwaring Medal as the best clubman, while McGovern also received the Community Award for his work with First Nations People through his foundation.

West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff was also celebrated on the night after he announced his retirement earlier this year, having played 280 games for the club.

Last year’s John Worsfold medallist Tim Kelly rounded out the top 10, with forward Jamie Cripps, departing defender Tom Barrass and Tom Cole also in the best for the year.

2024 JOHN WORSFOLD MEDAL LEADERBOARD

Jeremy McGovern – 184 votes

Elliot Yeo – 177

Jake Waterman – 155

Liam Duggan – 141

Brady Hough – 136

Jamie Cripps – 127

Tom Barrass – 122

Tom Cole – 117

Harley Reid – 114

Tim Kelly – 112

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