West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson has spoken to the career-long bravery of Eagle Jeremy McGovern, before quizzing the AFL on the dangerous act that last concussed the five-time All-Australian.
McGovern, who played under Simpson and starred in their 2018 Grand Final victory, is currently being assessed by an independent expert panel on his future in the sport, after failing to progress through the league’s protocols following a Round 8 head knock.
It unfortunately means a medical retirement is a possible outcome for the 33-year-old, who is still yet to overcome concussion symptoms from his knock nearly three weeks ago.
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A bump in the back from Demons veteran Jake Melksham a split second before a marking contest knocked McGovern off-balance, before his head hit the back of rival Harrison Petty. The incident is not the first time he’s been concussed, with a string of severe head knocks during his time at the top level.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, Simpson was glad a decision on his former player’s playing future wasn’t up to him, such is his bravery.
“His decision is sort of out of his hands, and that’s a good thing,” Simpson began by saying.
“You probably have three or four players in your (coaching) career that refuse to yield; no matter how injured they are, they’ll always say they’re right to go. Eventually, they want you to say: ‘You’re not playing this week, because I can’t risk you.’
“He would forever say: ‘I’m right to go’ … I can’t remember him once saying ‘I can’t play’. He got up for the 2018 Grand Final which he shouldn’t have played in, but he did. All the fitness tests, he somehow got through, but this one’s a little bit different (and) life-threatening.”
The leagues’ decision to not suspend Melksham for the act was one of contention given the concussion, despite its common practice in the sport during the modern era.
But Simpson firmly believes the same act is being done with in, week out by forwards — and not just once a game.
Melksham shove rouses suspension debate | 01:00
“That incident there (that concussed him) … I have seen that play against McGovern, and Harris Andrews, and Tom Barrass, and anyone who’s a ball player in the backline — I’ve seen that at least five times a week. And now, we may lose one of the game’s greats because of a craft you learn because you’re allowed to do it.,” Simpson continued.
“This wasn’t a suspension, but I’ve seen other players where it’s just a deliberate push or bump from a player who’s been told to play from behind and just push him out of the way. It’s now a better position to play from behind than in front.
“Hopefully, they reflect on this the AFL. I’m not sure of the answer, but maybe ‘hands in the back’ needs to be addressed. We may lose a player because of a tactic that’s done against him the last 10-15 years.”
McGovern has played 197 games at the top level, and most recently won the club’s best and fairest last season after a stellar year in defence.
“I think the fact it’s out of his hands is really good, because if it was in his hands, he’s a brave bugger and would keep putting his hand up to play … whatever decision’s made by the AFL and the footy club, will be the right one,” Simpson ended by saying.
(Waalitj Marawar) West Coast take on Kuwarna (Adelaide) this Sunday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval, live on Fox Footy from 12:30pm AEST.
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