When versatile big man Jeremy “Turbo” McGovern returned for pre-season training he created the exact wrong first impression on new senior coach Adam Simpson.

He was sent away to get himself in the right condition to train at elite level, worked hard to regain the respect of his senior coach and that journey travelled full cycle tonight when he won the West Coast Eagles rookie of the year award.

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McGovern still has some way to go, but after making debut in round six against Carlton, he played 13 games at both ends of the ground and was so impressive he won the rookie award ahead of some quality young players.

The transformation of the West Coast Eagles list wais evident with up to 12 players being eligible for the rookie of the year mantle. Some of those players would not figure in the reckoning because they did not play senior football this year, but there remained a handful in contention.

Under the qualification criteria, players with 10 games or less at the start of the season were eligible, so on the list are Adam Carter, Brant Colledge, Mark Hutchings, Tom Barrass, Malcolm Karpany, Will Maginness, Fraser McInnes, Dylan Main, Jeremy McGovern, Murray Newman, Rowen Powell, Dom Sheed and Simon Tunbridge.

Ruckman Scott Lycett also qualified, except he won the award 12 months ago and it is not possible to win it twice.

Of those eligible, the real contenders were Carter, Colledge, Hutchings, Sheed, McGovern and Tunbridge.

And looking at it realistically, Hutchings, McGovern and Sheed were the players most likely in the frame.

Hutchings enjoyed a strong season, playing 16 games and developing as a run-with midfielder at the back end of the season. His attention to detail, meticulous preparation and running power allowed him to perform some important roles.

Before the start of the year he had played just nine games after being recruited out the WAFL system.

Sheed, the club’s top selection (#11 overall) in last year’s National Draft, made a solid start to his AFL career, playing 10 games mainly through the midfield. He is an exciting prospect and is likely to be right in the mix for the award.

Twelve months ago, McGovern was elevated off the rookie list and after turning up for the start of pre-season training a little out of shape, he became one of the success stories of the season.

A natural forward, he also played as a key defender at East Perth, to develop another string to his bow. He excelled in that role, earned opportunities at AFL level and shone both ends of the ground in his 13 senior games.