Jeremy McGovern

West Coast star set to take significant pay cut

The decision will aid the Eagles’ hopes of retaining a veteran pair for 2022.

Published by
Mitch Keating

West Coast veteran Jeremy McGovern is understood to have taken a significant pay cut in order to aid the Eagles' plans to retain a pair of club greats for next season.

The Perth powerhouse club are yet to confirm new contracts for duo Josh Kennedy and Shannon Hurn for the 2022 season, having battled with limited space in their salary cap.

While there has been little doubt as to where the senior pair would be playing next season, financial figures have delayed the Eagles from confirming extensions for Kennedy and Hurn.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Josh Kennedy of the Eagles kicks on goal during the 2018 AFL round 18 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

An official announcement is now waiting on final alterations to McGovern's contract, with the champion defender set to sacrifice close to $200,000 in 2022, according to The West Australian's Ryan Daniels.

McGovern was reported to earn $1.1 million next year, however the 29-year-old is now accepting the reduced figure, which will subsequently aid West Coast's financial planning for the next 12 months.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles marks the ball during the 2019 AFL round 20 match between the Carlton Blues and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on August 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Daniels' report suggests McGovern will make back the discounted fee in the future as part of a "contract restructure", with the four-time All-Australian currently contracted until the end of the 2023 season.

Kennedy and Hurn have played a combined 557 games in the blue and gold, with the latter leading the Eagles to their 2018 premiership win.

Published by
Mitch Keating