West Coast champion Jeremy McGovern has been medically retired by the AFL’s concussion panel.

McGovern’s illustrious career comes to an end after 197 games in blue and gold, including the 2018 premiership.

The Eagles confirmed the devastating news on Friday, after a recommendation from the panel to immediately call time.

“It’s been an absolute honour to pull on the West Coast jumper for the past 15 years and it’s something that I will forever be grateful for,” McGovern said.

“As much as this isn’t the way I would have liked to go out, I respect the decision.

“I’m gutted I don’t get to pull the jumper on and run out one more time, but sometimes this is the way the game goes, and I am forever grateful to the West Coast supporters who have also shown me love and respect.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with my career over the journey.

“My family – Mum and Dad, my brother Mitch, my wife Madi and my three kids Hudson, Marlee and Lewie – have been my biggest supporters, as well as my friends who have been amazing through my whole time in the AFL.

“To the club, I can’t explain how much you have given me over my time here and I can’t thank you enough for drafting a fat kid from Albany and giving him a crack.

“I’ve always loved the game and winning a premiership is every kid’s dream, but the lifelong friendships and relationships you build through footy mean more to me than anything.

“I will forever be indebted to West Coast and I will always bleed blue and gold.”

The devastating news followed a meeting with the AFL’s concussion panel in Victoria on June 13, after which a formal decision was made to protect his long-term health.

The five-time All-Australian and reigning club champion played what would be his final game against Melbourne in round eight, where he copped a head knock in a marking contest.

McGovern is considered one of the best key defenders of the modern era after being drafted out of Claremont as a rookie in 2013.

West Coast footy boss Gavin Bell said McGovern was the exact type of player you would want to play with “because he was tough and courageous, wanted to win but also off the field cared about his mates and looked after others”.

“Everything he has achieved on the field speaks for itself, but the quality person that he is only enhances Gov’s standing amongst the greats of our football club,” Bell said.

“His charity work with the McGovern Foundation speaks to his character and willingness to help others.

“Gov’s influence and leadership around the Club will be greatly missed but he has set an outstanding example, and there is no doubt this decision to retire is the right decision for him and his family.

“We thank him for everything he has given to our club and community, and we wish Jeremy, Madison, Hudson, Marlee and Lewie every success and happiness in the future.

“The McGovern family will always be part of the fabric of the West Coast Eagles.”