Jeremy McGovern shuns free agency to re-sign with Eagles

West Coast have retained Jeremy McGovern after the 26-year-old shunned free agency to re-sign for five years.

The marking defender had been in the headlines for months ahead of his restricted free agency, with clubs all over the country reportedly keen to sign the talent.

But he has put all that to bed by inking a long-term deal with the Eagles.

“It’s good news. I’m just stoked to be staying at the club,” McGovern said.

“I love the people at the club, the direction the club is taking and it’s exciting to be a part of that.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and it was a gut decision to extend my contract. It would have been nice to have locked it away a bit earlier, but these things take time.

“I’m pleased it is done and now I can focus on the rest of the season. Hopefully my decision puts a few West Coast fans at ease.”

The news will come as a relief to Eagles fans so soon after Nic Naitanui’s latest knee injury put a dampener on the team’s great season.

But West Coast are still sweating on midfielder Andrew Gaff, who is another out-of-contract player being chased by Victorian rivals.