McGovern shines in Crows’ win

Adelaide forward Mitch McGovern has helped push his side towards the minor premiership, booting three goals in their 43-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Out of contract at the end of this season, the talented North Albany product finished with three important goals as the Crows recorded their 15th win of the season to stay six points clear on top of the AFL ladder with two rounds remaining in the home and away season.

McGovern collected 10 disposals, five marks, three inside 50s and laid three tackles to be among the Crows best players.

Older brother Jeremy McGovern was again impressive for the West Coast Eagles, dominating in defence as the Eagles got over the line against Carlton at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.

The rebounding defender took a game-high 11 marks to go with his 20 possessions as the Eagles finished 17 point winners, boosting to keep their place in the top eight.

First-year North Melbourne midfielder Declan Mountford had 15 touches, five marks and kicked a goal in his side’s 27-point loss to Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium on Sunday.

Fremantle captain and Lake Grace product Nat Fyfe finished with 28 disposals, seven clearances and five inside 50s despite the 104-point loss to the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Saturday. Great Southern duo Matt Palfrey and Dylan Smallwood were both key contributors to Claremont’s one-point win over South Fremantle in the reserves competition on Saturday.

Ex-Railways junior Palfrey had 26 disposals, seven marks and five inside 50s. Albany product Smallwood had five touches but was rock solid in defence.

Former Royals midfielder Morgan Davies collected 20 touches and laid 10 tackles while Mt Barker’s Cam Quenby finished with nine possessions and eight tackles.

Railways product Beau Ewen was named in the colts best players for Claremont after another strong performance with 14 touches, four marks and four tackles in a three-point loss.