McGovern will stay at Crows: Don Pyke

Adelaide coach Don Pyke has hosed down speculation forward Mitch McGovern wants to leave the AFL club.

McGovern last year signed a fresh deal with the Crows until the end of the 2020 season and Pyke dismisses rumours the West Australian-born forward wants to break that contract.

"I expect him to be here next season," Pyke said on Friday.

McGovern has been overlooked for selection in Adelaide's side to play GWS on Saturday despite overcoming his recent shoulder injury.

The 23-year-old also missed eight consecutive games earlier in the season because of an ankle injury.

"It was a pretty tough decision, to be honest, to not play him (against the Giants)," Pyke said.

"He just hasn't played a lot, that is the thing. So it's a bit of match conditioning, match form, that is the main driver

"The reality is for him, it's about getting some games under his belt and getting his match condition and form back to a point where he can contribute the way we know he can.

"He's in our best 22. It's just a matter of him getting back to that sort of condition and form to be able to play."