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Sport Nation
Eagles premiership defender on the verge of medical retirement
SEN • May 20th, 2025 9:33 pm
33-year-old Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern is facing potential early retirement as a result of persisting concussion symptoms.
The premiership hero copped a nasty head collision during West Coast’s Round 8 clash with Melbourne and has yet to make a full recovery from the incident.
Channel Nine journalist and SEN regular Tom Morris reports that McGovern could be forced to end his 197-game career as he faces an AFL concussion panel for assessment.
If the five-time All-Australian is to retire, he would be the ninth AFL player in just two years forced to cut their career short due to concussion.
The Eagles today released this statement regarding Jeremy McGovern:
Waaliti Marawar advise Jeremy McGovern will consult an AFL Concussion Panel for assessment by an interdisciplinary group of experts.
McGovern remains in the AFL Concussion Protocols following a head knock against Narrm in round eight.
"Jeremy's health and wellbeing is our number one priority, and he has not currently advanced through the Concussion Protocols due to ongoing symptoms," General Manager Football Gavin Bell said today.
"Jeremy has suffered multiple concussions over his career, which adds complexity to his situation and his recovery. Our club doctors, in conjunction with the AFL Chief Medical Officer, have recommended referral to the AFL Concussion Panel to help inform a safe way forward in the interest of his current and future welfare.
"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.
"These may include personalised treatment or rehabilitation plans, an extension of the return-to-play timeframe, 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.
"The Club will provide a further update in due course.”
