Source : ABC NEWS
The playing future of West Coast Eagles great Jeremy McGovern is in doubt, after the club revealed he will consult the AFL’s concussion panel after “ongoing symptoms” following a knock against Melbourne on May 3.
McGovern, 33, was nudged into a marking contest by Jake Melksham late in the second quarter of the Eagles’ round eight loss to Melbourne, causing him to cannon into the back of Demon Harrison Petty.
McGovern emerged from the impact dazed, but played on for a few minutes before being subbed out and placed into the league’s “concussion protocols”, ruling him out for the following game.
He has missed the club’s past two games, against Richmond and St Kilda, but there had been hope he would be ready to resume against Adelaide this weekend.
However, on Tuesday afternoon the Eagles revealed the 197-game defender would consult the AFL’s concussion experts.
Jeremy McGovern has suffered numerous knocks to his head throughout his glittering career. (AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)
“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 on Tuesday.
“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.”
Former teammate’s fears
In the aftermath of the incident, McGovern’s premiership teammate Will Schofield told Perth radio station 6PR he feared the injury could be serious.
“I think that with his history of concussion, this could be a much bigger story than just a one week off for Gov [McGovern],” Schofield said on May 10.
“I don’t think this is just a normal one week off concussion, and get back out there.
“I think they’re taking it very seriously internally, and it could turn into longer time out of the game, if not out altogether.”
McGovern has played 197 games for the West Coast Eagles since being taken in the 2011 rookie draft.
He famously played in the Eagles 2018 premiership success, despite being severely injured against Melbourne in the preliminary final the week before.
McGovern later revealed he had suffered torn oblique (abdominal) muscles and required six painkilling injections on game day to take his place in the side.
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