Bye gives West Coast defender time to heal

Rising West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern will use a mid-season bye to rest his battered body after the North Albany junior played an influential role in the Eagles' 20-point win over Richmond on Friday night at the MCG.

McGovern overcame a corked thigh to play in the crucial clash with the Tigers and he shrugged off any doubts of him playing, gathering 15 disposals, seven marks and three inside 50s.

The Eagles are second on the ladder heading into their bye this week, which couldn't come at a better time for a beat-up McGovern.

The tall utility has been one of the reasons behind the Eagles' brilliant start to the season, covering for the loss of key defenders Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, but he has battled injury over the past few weeks.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said McGovern had done a terrific job in defence in the early part of the season.

"He was really keen to play this week, I think he's going to be a big-game player for us," he said.

"But his body is a bit banged up.

"He's going to enjoy the break.

"He's been carrying the load along with (Will Schofield) with our talls and he's finding a way to get up most weeks, but it was touch and go there for a while.

"Two six-day breaks, a couple of travels in there, so he's got to manage himself really well in the next two weeks."

The Eagles now head to the bye and return for a clash with Melbourne in Darwin on July 4.

McGovern's younger brother Mitch is pressing his claims for a senior call-up for the Adelaide Crows after starring for their SANFL side against Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday.

The 20-year-old, who was taken with pick 43 in the 2014 national draft, has been riddled with injuries in the past three years, but playing his third consecutive SANFL game, he finished with three first-half goals, 13 possessions and five marks.

Playing forward in the first half, the 191cm Crow was swung into defence in the second half with great effect to enhance his versatility.

Meanwhile, young Royals utility Nic Ashford made his debut for Claremont colts on Saturday, collecting eight touches and one mark and laying a tackle.

North Albany product Declan Mountford returned from State 18s duties to gather 20 possessions and kick a goal, while former North Albany defender Nick Barrow was named in the Tigers' best players with 16 disposals and four marks.