North Albany product Jeremy McGovern named West Coast Eagles vice-captain for fourth straight season

Albany football star and four-time All-Australian Jeremy McGovern will continue in the West Coast Eagles’ leadership group after being named joint vice-captain this week ahead of the 2023 AFL season.

McGovern, a premiership player with the Eagles in 2018, has been named as a deputy to captain Luke Shuey alongside fellow defender Tom Barrass.

On Tuesday the Eagles announced Shuey as captain for the fourth consecutive season, after receiving a recommendation from the football department following a player vote and input from the coaching staff.

McGovern has been vice-captain of the Eagles since his promotion to the role for the 2020 season.

Last year’s club champion Barrass succeeds Nic Naitanui as co-vice-captain.

Naitanui and 2018 premiership captain Shannon Hurn did not seek formal leadership roles but will continue to mentor some of the club’s emerging players.

A North Albany product, McGovern has played 163 games and kicked 37 goals since his debut in 2014.

The key defender was runner-up in the John Worsfold Medal in 2017 and last year received life membership at the club.

The Eagles said Shuey, who was appointed the club’s 12th captain back in 2020, was well supported by his teammates and staff to continue in the role.

“Luke has enjoyed strong support from the player group over the last three years and that sentiment carried through in the process this season,” Eagles general manager of football Gavin Bell said.

“He was keen to continue in the role and we are delighted he will remain as captain.

“Jeremy has been a vice-captain to Luke for each of the last three years and he has been joined by Tom, who has demonstrated his leadership qualities, both on and off-field, for several years.”