Jezza's journey

[LF]

http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-04-24/jezzas-journey

After a rocky start to his 2014 preseason campaign, emerging key position product Jeremy McGovern will complete a remarkable transformation by making his senior debut against Carlton on Saturday.

Elevated onto the primary list at the end of last season, McGovern could not have been less impressive when he returned to the club for preseason training carrying a few extra kilos.

New senior coach Adam Simpson was not pleased, sent McGovern away and would not bring him back to train with the rest of the group until he had earned that opportunity.

That seems such a long time ago.

Retired defender Mark Nicoski, a man who left nothing to chance in his own preparation, took on the challenge of getting McGovern ready for AFL training, and within a few weeks he was ready to re launch 2014.

Since that time McGovern, a natural footballer who inherited the skill and football nous of his father Andrew, who played for Claremont, Sydney and Fremantle, has barely set a foot wrong.

He played strongly in the preseason, particularly when given a chance to play against Sydney in the NAB Challenge at Blacktown, and with skipper Darren Glass ruled out of the clash with the Blues through suspension, Gov was at the front of the queue.

Timing is everything in footy and McGovern chose the right moment to produce a best on ground effort for East Perth in the match against Subiaco on Good Friday. He marked with conviction, used the ball efficiently and has been impressive as re badged defender.

McGovern had played most of his football as a forward until this season, but looks at home in defence.

Initially recruited to the rookie list at the end of the 2011 season, he has more than his share of injury concerns in his first couple of years at the club, but with a sustained run of football, he has been impressive.

Originally from North Albany, he made his way to Claremont where he caught the eye of West Coast recruiting staff.

Having endured footballs ups and downs, he deserves this opportunity and will be looking to have an immediate impact in elite football.                 

[Capper]

Good luck to him. I had Jezza in my BXV last year before trading him out. Hopefully he gets a couple of games this year

[elephants]

Wow, what a game he played against the Suns. Although his kicking for goal was a little astray (we'll give him the benefit and put it down to fatigue) he presented beautifully and was really good with the little things like putting on blocks, forward pressure, etc. Reminds me a lot of Jeremy Cameron when he first burst onto the scene.

With time he'll get used to the forward structures and stuff but boy oh boy did he stand up late in the game. The winning goal and two game-saving marks. Enormous.

Looking forward to a long career this lad!