Season 2019 was another consistent campaign for the game’s most prolific intercept marker. He started the year in ominous form, reeling in 11 marks against Greater Western Sydney in round two, and continued to be a thorn on the side of opposition forward lines throughout the year. He achieved career-best numbers for one percenters (6.5) and rebounds 50s (3.9). He equalled his previous best average for intercepts (8.6) and took his disposal efficiency (81.9 per cent) to another level. McGovern capped off the year by claiming his fourth all-Australian blazer. In doing so, he set a new AFL record for fewest games played en route to claiming a fourth all-Australian honour. McGovern took just 124 games to achieve the feat, one better than Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd and six fewer than West Coast dual premiership hero Peter Matera.

Standout performance: Standing tall against the Blues

It wasn’t a bird (well, kind of). It wasn’t a plane. It was Jeremy McGovern dominating the skies  – albeit under Marvel Stadium’s roof – against Carlton in round 20. The Albany product was on fire against his little brother’s side, reeling in a season-high 13 marks (four contested) and 11 intercepts to keep the inspired Blue at bay. McGovern also effected seven rebound 50s in arguable his finest outing of the year.

Season averages:

Disposals: 14.9
Intercepts: 8.6
Contested possessions: 6.7
One percenters: 6.5
Marks: 7.1
Rebound 50s: 3.9
Score involvements: 2.7
Contested marks: 2.0

2019 AFL statistical rankings:

1^st: Total intercepts, intercepts per game
3^rd: Total contested marks
5^th: Total marks
12^th: Total one percenters