West Coast Eagles champion Jeremy McGovern reveals messages of support from Melbourne forward Jake Melksham
Jeremy McGovern has revealed Melbourne's Jake Melksham, who was involved in the collision that led to his career-ending concussion, reached out to the West Coast champion over his retirement.
McGovern was awarded a free kick in the round eight clash at Optus Stadium after Melksham pushed him into a marking contest.
It resulted in McGovern clashing heads with Demon Harrison Petty, with both players concussed in the incident and placed in protocols.
It would ultimately be the Eagles premiership defender's final game, with
McGovern retiring on medical grounds following a recommendation from the AFL's concussion panel.
The 33-year-old revealed he 'heard from Melksham straight after the game' and had remained in contact since. McGovern officially announced his retirement on Friday.
'He (Melksham) was extremely thoughtful and caring about what was going on,' McGovern told SEN.
'I've been chatting to him over the last few weeks, to be honest. He's been super.'
Melsksham was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Match Review Officer over the collision, who found 'it was not reasonably foreseeable that McGovern and Petty would make contact in the manner that occurred'.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin also defended Melksham's actions post-match, stating he was contesting the ball and the actions of West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey had also contributed to the collision.
McGovern held no ill-will toward Melksham over the incident, saying he 'made it pretty clear to him' that the decision was made to protect his long-term health following multiple head knocks across his 197-game career.
'This is a lot of things that have happened before that,' he said. 'He (Melksham) seemed like a ripper, did shoot me a message.'
Among the other messages of support was Brisbane co-captain and star defender Harris Andrews, McGovern revealed.
'I've always admired the way he's played, so that was nice,' he said.
'And then obviously past players and mates and people you didn't even know you had in your phone... so many people (reached out).
'And that's why I love footy. That's what footy is all about. Just that comradery and mateship and friendships.
'It's just nice for everyone to shoot you a message and say that they've watched you and enjoyed your career.'
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