Overview

• The AFL’s concussion panel recommended McGovern’s medical retirement following his Round 8 head knock and a June 13 review.
• He ends a 15-year stint with the West Coast Eagles highlighted by the 2018 premiership and five All-Australian selections.
• McGovern said this was not how he wanted to finish his career but he respects the ruling and is grateful to the club and supporters.
• Supporters have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating his legacy as one of the Eagles’ modern-era greats.
• His retirement highlights the growing impact of concussion protocols on AFL careers alongside cases such as Angus Brayshaw and Nathan Murphy.