Another McGovern poised to join AFL ranks
Claremont forward Mitch McGovern is a chance to follow in his brother Jeremy's footsteps this year after being invited to the AFL's annual national draft combine which starts in Melbourne on September 30.
McGovern, 20, was one of a dozen WA players to receive an invitation this week, meaning five or more clubs have expressed an interest in recruiting them.
Jarrod Pickett, Billy Frampton, Jarrod Garlett and Jermaine Miller-Lewis (South Fremantle), Aidan Anderson and Connor Blakely (Swan Districts), Clem Smith (Perth), Jack Cripps (East Fremantle), Josh Deluca (Subiaco), Tyler Keitel (East Perth) and Francis Watson (Claremont) were the other players selected for the draft screening.
The low number of players invited from the State was not unexpected after WA lost all but one game at the AFL under-18 championships earlier this year.
Only the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland had less players invited.
A hot spot in his foot limited McGovern to just one quarter of reserves football last season.
But the North Albany junior has caught the eye in his first seven league games for the Tigers over the past few months.
Claremont football operations manager Darcy Coffey said the invite may have surprised outsiders given McGovern's lack of senior football, but it didn't come as a shock to him.
"It's not exactly a surprise to people within the Claremont footy club, we're well aware of his potential," he said.
"He's got some AFL traits that excite people.
"He's still got a long way to go obviously, but he's got plenty of the tools you need.
"Mitch is class both sides of his body, his vertical leap is outstanding, he's got a good set of hands, his movement and agility is good and he's a good size.
"All those add up to a pretty decent player."
Coffey said McGovern's 193cm frame and raw athletic ability meant he could be moulded into a tall midfielder in the elite AFL ranks.
"He's played most of his footy forward, but given how mobile he is I think you'll see him push further up the ground," Coffey said.
"I think he's what AFL clubs are looking for in terms of his versatility. A guy like that, that size, who can kick it like he can, who has the awareness that he's got, if he's able to roll through a variety of positions it makes it that much more attractive."
