McGovern’s record season rewarded

North Albany junior Jeremy McGovern is a chance to become a triple All-Australian after being named in the 40-man squad released yesterday, following the completion of the home-and-away season at the weekend.

McGovern played his 100th AFL game for the West Coast Eagles on Sunday as they ran out 26-point winners over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, a result that stitched up second spot.

The elite intercept defender finished with 14 possessions and eight marks in the win and, as a result, the 26-year-old broke an AFL record for intercept marks.

McGovern finished the season with 77 intercept marks, breaking the previous record of 76 from Western Bulldogs’ Easton Wood in 2015. McGovern took 75 in both 2016 and 2017.

The 40-man All-Australian squad for 2018 was released yesterday and McGovern was one of four Eagles to be named, with the final team to be announced tomorrow.

Former North Albany ruckman Darcy Cameron has been rewarded for his stellar season at NEAFL level with the Sydney Swans.

The emerging Swans ruckman has made his AFL debut this season but has starred at reserves level and that was evident by him finishing runner-up in the NEAFL MVP trophy.

Cameron polled 87 votes to claim second behind three-time MVP winner Matthew Payne, from Aspley. Adding to that Cameron was also named 2018 NEAFL Team of the Year as a ruckman.

Sydney finished the regular season with a 52-point win over Gold Coast on Friday afternoon with Cameron collecting 17 touches, seven marks and kicking one goal.

The Swans will now have a week off as they await their preliminary final opponent on September 8.

Draft prospect and Great Southern product Tyron Smallwood kicked a goal and celebrated his league debut with a win as Claremont beat Swan Districts by five points in the WAFL.

Smallwood finished with 1.2 from 11 disposals and three marks.

Fellow Great Southern product and highly touted top-20 draft chance Jordan Clark was named in the Tigers’ best after collecting 19 possessions and four inside 50s.