McGovern brothers reunion on the cards

The prospect of brothers Mitch and Jeremy McGovern uniting at the West Coast Eagles appears a real possibility after the younger of the high-marking siblings told the Adelaide Crows this week he wants to be traded.

The Crows announced on Tuesday night Mitch McGovern and his management had requested a trade, ending months of speculation the 23-year-old was unhappy at the club.

The McGovern brothers, who played for North Albany, have always spoken of their desire to play together at the highest level but that appeared unlikely when first Mitch re-signed with the Crows for three years in August last year and then Jeremy resisted the temptation of free agency to sign a five-year contract extension with the Eagles last month.

Carlton are believed to be very interested in gaining Mitch’s services, although a trade back to WA will gather legs in the coming months given his family link and desire to play with Jeremy.

The Eagles could be significant players in the trade period, given the pressure surrounding out-of- contract pair Andrew Gaff and Scott Lycett.

Mitch told the Crows early this week of his desire to leave but understands he is still contracted to the club for the next two seasons.

“I’m glad to have the weight off my shoulders,” McGovern told the Advertiser yesterday.

“I understand that the club (Adelaide) is the priority through this stage.”

McGovern had double ankle surgery after the Crows’ season ended at the weekend and will remain in Adelaide at this stage.

The AFL trade period runs from October 8-17.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Crows confirmed they would entertain a trade for the young forward, who has kicked 67 goals in 48 games.

“We are open-minded and happy to explore the options available with Mitch and his manager,” Crows head of football Brett Burton said.

“However, the needs of the club will be held as a high priority in any possible negotiation, especially given he is a contracted player.”

In other AFL news, out-of-contract local product Declan Mountford has survived the first cuts at North Melbourne, who offloaded six players on Tuesday.

Mountford failed to play a game in 2018 after an injury-interrupted season and has managed just 12 matches since being picked up by the Kangaroos in the 2015 national draft.