West Coast coach Adam Simpson insists he doesn’t need to “sell” Jeremy McGovern all the reasons to stay put, despite the defender reportedly being offered $7 million to switch clubs.
McGovern will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, and reports have emerged that he’s been offered a six-year, $7 million deal by a Victorian club.
The two-time All Australian would be hot property on the open market and West Coast’s cross-town rivals Fremantle are also reportedly interested in luring the star swingman.
McGovern’s father Andrew played 63 games for the Dockers from 1995-98.
West Coast have an excellent record of retaining wanted players and Simpson says McGovern is well aware of the benefits of staying at the club.
“All I can speak of is us and what we’re doing. We’re doing everything we can (to re-sign him),” Simpson said.
“We know he’s an A-grade talent, he’s a dual All Australian, so we’re doing everything we can to try and keep him here.
“I don’t think it’s about the sell. He knows what we’re about and what we’re like.
“Once again I won’t be running this through the media every week.
“This is the one time we’ll talk about it and then we’ll just let it work itself out.”
Andrew Gaff will also become a restricted free agent at the end of the season and the Victorian will be hotly pursued by Melbourne-based clubs if he hasn’t re-signed with the Eagles.
West Coast will round out their pre-season campaign with a match against Fremantle in Joondalup on Sunday.
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction on Saturday when he lines up for WAFL side East Perth in their practice match against East Fremantle.
But even if he gets through the match unscathed, Naitanui faces an uphill battle to prove he is fit enough to play in the round one clash with Sydney on March 25.
Forward Josh Kennedy is also set to miss the start of the season while he builds up his fitness after ankle surgery.
Ruckman Nathan Vardy will miss the next four to six weeks with a groin injury.
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