West Coast’s Jeremy McGovern Consults AFL Concussion Panel, Playing Future Uncertain

Jeremy McGovern, a key defender for the West Coast Eagles and a five-time All-Australian, is facing uncertainty about his playing future after being referred to the AFL concussion panel due to ongoing symptoms from a head knock sustained in Round 8 against Melbourne. McGovern, who has suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, remains in concussion protocols and is unavailable for selection as he awaits assessment by an interdisciplinary panel of experts. The referral was recommended by club doctors and the AFL chief medical officer to ensure his current and future welfare, with potential outcomes ranging from personalized rehabilitation to an extension of his return-to-play timeframe, further testing, or even medical retirement. This development highlights the increasing concern around concussion impacts in the AFL, with several other players recently forced to retire due to similar issues. The Eagles have emphasized McGovern's health and privacy during this confidential process, with a further update to be provided in due course.