West Coast premiership hero Jeremy McGovern inks one-year contract extension

The illustrious AFL career of West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern will continue into a 16th season after he penned a one-year contract extension.

The Eagles announced on Monday, just over a month out from the club's season-opening game against the Gold Coast Suns in Perth, that McGovern had signed on for 2026.

The AFL premiership-winning defender will turn 34 midway through the 2026 season.

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"I'm obviously stoked to recommit with the club and grateful they have given me another opportunity to do what I love for another year," McGovern said.

"The club is in an exciting period with a talented young list, and I feel like it's part of my responsibility to help this young group on and off the field, just like I had when I first started many years ago.

"I will always be grateful to have had some amazing senior players who helped to shape my career, and hopefully I can do the same with this young group."

McGovern last year fought back from an injury-riddled campaign to secure his fifth All-Australian blazer and his maiden club best and fairest award.

He is expected to run out for his 200th AFL match when West Coast meets Richmond at the MCG in round nine.

He is only nine appearances away from becoming the 29th Eagle to play 200 AFL games.

West Coast footy boss Gavin Bell described McGovern as an Eagles "legacy player" and said he was an "outstanding leader" for the club's young list.