Star Eagle all class during worrying concussion battle

[Pelican Press 0]

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Star Eagle all class during worrying concussion battle

West Coast are wrapping their arms around Jeremy McGovern, telling the star defender to keep things business as usual while he awaits to see whether his AFL career is over.

McGovern’s playing future hangs in the balance, with a panel of concussion experts to determine his fate.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a head knock in West Coast’s loss to Melbourne in round eight.

McGovern was initially optimistic he would be given the green light to return after missing just one game, but his failure to progress smoothly through the AFL’s return-to-play protocols raised red flags.

He will now have to meet with an AFL concussion panel to find out the next step.

McGovern may be put on a personalised treatment or rehabilitation plan, handed an extension of the return-to-play time frame, be recommended to undergo further tests or be told to retire on medical grounds.

The five-time All-*********** walked laps and did some light jogging at training on Thursday, and coach Andrew McQualter praised the way McGovern is handling the situation.

“The unknown is a bit of a challenge, but he’s doing OK,” McQualter said.

“We’re going to continue to support him. He’ll have a couple of days off work as we go to Adelaide this weekend.

“And then it’s just so uncertain at the moment as to what happens next.

“We know it’s going to the panel. When that will happen, we’re not sure yet. We’ll just wait and see and keep supporting ‘Gov’ through the process.

“It’s just business as usual at the moment.”

McGovern is one of West Coast’s best and most experienced players, and he is continuing to help his younger teammates despite his own personal circumstances.

“Gov’s one of our leaders, and he’s still one of our terrific leaders,” McQualter said.

“He’s been involved all week in our leadership meetings and our meetings in general.

“We understand it’s a challenging time. But Gov’s been doing this for a long time.

“He’s a very mature guy. He’s got a great family and network around him as well.”

With McGovern’s future in doubt, more responsibility will be placed on inexperienced defenders Harry Edwards and Sandy Brock.

It may also mean co-captain Oscar Allen plays more games in defence, potentially even this week when the Eagles face the Crows’ tall trio of forwards Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe.

West Coast will feature a new-look forward line in Adelaide on Sunday after Jamie Cripps (knee) and Matt Owies (calf) were struck down in last week’s breakthrough win over St Kilda.

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