Star defender Jeremy McGovern is feeling fit and ready to attack pre-season games after bouncing back strongly from hip surgery last year.

The four-time All-Australian had a torrid time on the injury front last season, going down with an adductor problem, knee issue and then requiring a hip operation.

While he still managed to play 15 games, McGovern lacked continuity – like many Eagles teammates – as West Coast slipped outside the finals spots for the first time since 2014.

But the 29-year-old feels prepared for the looming campaign, starting with a scratch match against Fremantle on February 25.

“Personally, yeah, I’m ready. I think the boys have had a pretty good pre-season so far,” McGovern said.

“Obviously we’ve still got a couple of weeks to go, but it comes quick. We were just talking about it this morning actually that we’ve got a ‘praccy’ match in a couple of weeks, but it’s an exciting time.

“Pre-season is always tough, so it’s good to get into the footy.

“I had hip surgery last year to try and get my body right for this pre-season. I’ve had a good run at it – I haven’t missed too much training at all.

“I’m not trying to look skinny, I’m just trying to get as fit as I can.

“Pretty much I’m feeling as good as I’ve felt for a long time, so it’s good.”

The intensity at training since the players returned to Mineral Resources Park in January has been notable, and McGovern has been impressed by the standards.

“It does feel a little bit different with the boys,” McGovern said.  

“There’s a little bit more burn in the belly, I think, to try and push and do everything we can to give ourselves the best opportunity.

“You want to play finals – that’s what everyone’s here for – so we weren’t happy with that, not playing finals last year.

“I don’t think the (external) criticism is what is fuelling it. I think our own standards and what we believe the type of footy we can play is probably what fuels it.

“Internally, we knew we were a better side than what we probably produced.”

Recently elected vice-captain for the third season in a row, alongside Nic Naitanui and in support of skipper Luke Shuey, McGovern welcomed the addition of several new faces to the leadership group, including key defensive partner Tom Barrass, half-back Liam Duggan and exciting tall forward Oscar Allen.

“I think (Barrass’) leadership’s been great for the last couple of years. Obviously most people just see what happens on-field but behind closed doors Tommy is a massive leader for us, so it’s good to see him get acknowledged with it,” McGovern said.

“The same with Liam Duggan and Oscar Allen, those boys have done a great job over the last few years, not just this one now.

“They’ve developed really well, their on-field performances are backing up their leadership. I felt their leadership was there from when they got here and their performances on-field now are really aligning with them.

“I’m pretty proud of all three of them. It’s good for us older boys to know that we’ve got some good young leaders coming through.”