Carlton veteran Mitch McGovern wants to play on next year but is still waiting for a contract offer from the Blues.
Forced to wait until after last year’s trade period for a new deal, McGovern again finds himself heading into the final month of the home-and-away season with an uncertain playing future.
McGovern has been one of the surprise packets this year for the Blues, revelling in a return to the forward line to be the club’s leading goalkicker with 31, one ahead of Brodie Kemp.
Initially recruited by the Blues to be a third marking forward to support Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, McGovern rarely played in the same attack as the Coleman medallists due in part to the latter’s knee issues in 2020-21 and his own checkered run with injury.
His switch back into attack came after Curnow’s departure last year and the emergence of young gun Harry Dean in defence.
“I definitely want to play on,” McGovern told this masthead. “I’d like to hopefully play for another two or three years, but yes, I guess I’ve got to wait it out, see what happens, and see what comes. So fingers crossed something does.”
McGovern did not receive a contract extension last year until October.
After playing just 12 games from 2021-22, McGovern has improved his durability to the point where he is on track to play every game this season.
“I feel good. I got a few injuries early, so I almost feel like I’m footy young, if that makes sense, because I missed a few years with hammies and things,” McGovern explained.
“I’m feeling really good – I want to keep going.”
McGovern is one of five Blues in their 30s yet to receive a contract for 2027.
Defender Nick Haynes, 34, who played his 250th game last week, has been an important player in the Blues’ rise under Josh Fraser and done enough to warrant another season.
Veteran Nic Newman, who will miss at least six more weeks with a hamstring injury, has indicated his desire to play on after a strong return, but Zac Williams and Adam Saad are out of favour under Fraser after being regulars when available under Voss.
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