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“Modern-day great”: Simpson's glowing remarks on retired McGovern
Nicholas Quinlan • June 21st, 2025 3:10 pm
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has reflected on Jeremy McGovern’s career following his medical retirement on Friday.
McGovern was forced to retire by the AFL’s Concussion Panel, having been deemed to be unable to play due to persistent concussion symptoms, with his latest occurring in Round 8 this year.
Simpson was present at McGovern’s press conference when he would confirm the panel’s decision.
The two have a close bond with Simpson handing the five-time All-Australian his debut back in 2014.
McGovern played 188 of his 197 games at the Eagles under Simpson, as he developed into one of the best defenders in the competition.
This would include the 2018 Grand Final, where McGovern suffered from internal bleeding from torn obliques during Grand Final week and cracked ribs during the game.
Simpson emphasised the importance that McGovern had on his side during their successful period when the Eagles featured in two grand finals in the space of four years.
“I think he has played just under 200 games, and he is almost averaging an All-Australian every second year,” Simpson said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Which, when you think about it, and I mentioned that to the players, it’s not a bad effort.
“And you guys have not seen enough of him. And I’m sure through the successful times, you get glimpses of him and no doubt, obviously, the premiership was more intention.
“But he’s a modern-day great, and what’s he done to the game…he’s changed the game, the way it was played. Definitely changed the way we played when we started getting some success.”
Simpson also reminisced to the beginning of McGovern's career and when he first met with him.
“He was pick 44 in the Rookie Draft (in 2011). I don’t even know how you get 44 picks in the Rookie Draft and was elevated to the list in ‘13,” he said.
“I met him and said to him, because he was huge in all facets, I said, ‘Listen, we haven’t met yet, I’ll meet you in six weeks. Come back in six weeks, you can’t come to the club and in six weeks’ time…you’ll tell me if you’re ready or not.”
“He went away with Mark Nicoski, the development coach, and he was the only access point. And he came back marginally better…and I could see the talent, and he played by Round 6 that year."
