McGovern Snub Leaves Carlton Veteran Facing Exit
Missing the final matches denies him a contract trigger, prompting expectations he will explore other clubs
Overview
- Carlton veteran Mitch McGovern was left out of senior selection for the final two games, falling short of the two-match trigger needed to secure his 2026 contract Coach Michael Voss publicly backed McGovern’s future at the club after receiving an endorsement from incoming CEO Graham Wright
- Out-of-contract defenders Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning have met with rival clubs and remain unsigned as the free-agency window approaches
- Vice-captain Sam Walsh will return to AFL action under a managed minutes program after recovering from a foot injury sustained in round 13
- Graham Wright’s ongoing football operations review has led to football boss Brad Lloyd’s departure, prioritising retention of Carlton’s core 'big five' players