The future of Eagles star Jeremy McGovern hangs in the balance, with the defender set to go before the AFL concussion panel amid ongoing symptoms linked to his head knock from almost three weeks ago.

McGovern suffered a concussion in Waalitj Marawar’s (West Coast’s) round eight loss to Narrm (Melbourne) on May 3 after clashing heads with Harrison Petty in a marking contest.

The 33-year-old remains in concussion protocols, and with his symptoms not improving, the club has decided to escalate his case to the AFL’s independent panel.

“Jeremy’s health and well-being is our number one priority, and he has not currently advanced through the Concussion Protocols due to ongoing symptoms,” Eagles football manager Gavin Bell said.

“Jeremy has suffered multiple concussions over his career, which adds complexity to his situation and his recovery. Our club doctors, in conjunction with the AFL Chief Medical Officer, have recommended referral to the AFL Concussion Panel to help inform a safe way forward in the interest of his current and future welfare.”

It’s a concerning development that could see McGovern’s playing career brought to a premature end if the panel decides that playing on is too risky given his history.

Collingwood’s Josh Carmichael was last July the most recent player to be forced into medical retirement after the panel advised the then 24-year-old to avoid all contact sports following repeat concussions.

“We are awaiting a date for the panel to convene and assess Jeremy, and there are a range of outcomes that could result from their report,” Bell said.

“These may include personalised treatment or rehabilitation plans, an extension of the return-to-play timeframe, recommendations for further tests or specialist referrals, or retirement on medical grounds.

“The club requests Jeremy’s privacy is respected at this time while this confidential process unfolds.

“The club will provide a further update in due course.”

McGovern remains one of the Eagles’ most important players, and is among the club’s most decorated of all time.

The reigning John Worsfold medallist is a five-time All-Australian - behind only Ben Cousins and Dean Cox (six) for the most in club history - and began the chain of play that led to Dom Sheed’s match-winning goal in the 2018 premiership triumph.

Writing in his exclusive column in the West Australian the week after his concussion, McGovern said player welfare must come first, despite his own frustration that he felt fine to play.

“Most of us feel like we would be fine to get back out there and definitely fine to recover by the following round. I fall into the category of feeling like I can play this week and a senior player of a side going through a tough time, that’s where my frustrations stem from,” he wrote at the time.

“I have felt fine this week, aside from that feeling of wanting to be out on the track with the boys preparing for a game.

“It’s probably one of the better recoveries I’ve had from a concussion, just mild pain and some trouble sleeping.

“But the priority is player welfare and you have to respect that. The results of the SCAT often proves that players are not fine even when they think they are.”

Players forced into medical retirement

Daniel Venables: Venables was forced to retire after suffering a brain trauma injury.

Brad Sheppard: Was forced to retire in 2021 at the age of 30 due to ongoing concussion symptoms. The 216-game veteran suffered a number of concussions at the tail end of his career, with a head knock against Fremantle in the penultimate round of 2021 proving to be the final straw.

Angus Brayshaw: A Melbourne premiership player, Brayshaw was medically retired due to ongoing concussion issues.

Nathan Murphy: A Collingwood player, Murphy also retired due to concussion.

Josh Carmichael: Another Collingwood player, Carmichael was forced to retire after experiencing ongoing concussion symptoms.

Aiden O’Driscoll: A Western Bulldogs draftee, O’Driscoll’s AFL career never began as he was medically retired after a significant head injury.

Other Examples: Players like Paddy McCartin, Paul Seedsman, Marcus Adams, and Max Lynch have also retired due to concussion-related issues in the past.