Jeremy McGovern soared to new heights in 2015, playing with the confidence of a 150-game player in just his second season in the AFL. Stepping up in the absence of Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, McGovern’s start to the season was amazing considering he began the year with only 13 games to his name.

He averaged over five marks per game in season 2015, and was in the top two for intercept marks for most of the year across the AFL.

2015 season highlights

Kicks: 16 v Western Bulldogs Rnd1

Handballs: 10 v St Kilda Rnd8

Disposals: 26 v Western Bulldogs Rnd1

Marks: 12 v Western Bulldogs Rnd1

Three matches to remember:

Round 1 v Western Bulldogs

After Mitch Brown went down in the first 10 minutes with a season-ending knee injury, McGovern was suddenly thrust into the key defenders role and handled it with aplomb. To see such a young, inexperienced player throw himself at packs and drag down 12 marks was extraordinary. He marshalled the defence, was the Eagles’ best gathering 26 disposals and earning two Brownlow votes.

Round 12 v Richmond

McGovern was under an injury cloud coming into the much-hyped clash with Richmond in round 12, the Eagles’ first, and only, chance on the MCG stage in 2015. All the talk entering the game was about the Tigers’ tall forward line, but the Eagles defended superbly all night, led by McGovern and Will Schofield. McGovern gathered 15 disposals and took seven marks, repeatedly intercepting Richmond’s forward thrusts.

PF v North Melbourne

Throughout the finals series Jeremy McGovern had battled a sore shoulder, threatening to keep him from playing his best football, but the young defender toughed it out and was superb against the Kangaroos in the preliminary final. Sweeping across half-back all night, McGovern manned his taller North Melbourne opponent, but also zoned off beautifully to gather 19 possessions and take five marks.

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