Mitch McGovern signs one-year extension with Carlton Blues after failed Buku Khamis trade

Mitch McGovern will remain a Blue after Carlton handed the versatile defender a one-year contract extension after their failed move to pry Buku Khamis out of the Western Bulldogs.

McGovern, the 31-year-old brother of West Coast premiership star Jeremy who was forced into medical retirement earlier this year, fell one game short of a reported automatic extension clause at the end of the 2025 season after not playing in the final six games of the year.

He was firmly on the outer with the club after Khamis requested a trade to the Blues, with McGovern forced to wait out the trade period without a deal.

However, with Carlton failing to secure the wantaway defender while also losing Jack Silvagni the club was left with few alternatives but to re-sign McGovern.

McGovern has played 145 AFL games including 97 for Carlton since crossing from Adelaide and was deployed up forward at times this season kicking 11 goals, his most in a year as a Blue.

However McGovern has struggled with both form and injury, having only played more than 20 games once in his seven years at the Blues.

Despite the club hoping to go in a different direction, Carlton list boss Nick Austin said he was pleased McGovern would stay.

“Mitch’s versatility at both ends of the ground, combined with the experience he brings will see him add some flexibility to our side next season,” Austin said.

“He fits seamlessly into our structure and helps strengthen our team across the field in a number of positions.

“We look forward to seeing him back at IKON Park and getting stuck into pre-season training.”