Four-time all-Australian Jeremy McGovern has built a reputation as one of the best intercept marks in the competition. He galvanised that standing with an exceptional performance against Collingwood last night.

The veteran hauled in 10 intercept marks while distributing an 86 percent disposal efficiency.

McGovern, acting captain in the absence of Luke Shuey led from the front, albeit from defence (if that is not a contradiction) with a commanding aerial display.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles and Darcy Cameron of the Magpies in action during the 2021 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on April 16, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

One of the best readers of a ball in flight and with impeccable timing, he took nine marks, five of them intercepts that interrupted Collingwood forward probes.

He also had 20 possessions and in conjunction with his partner-in-arms, Tom Barrass, fought back after the Pies looked threatening through Darcy Moore and Brodie Grundy early in the contest.

The backs were steady all night, with Josh Rotham (15 marks) and Liam Duggan (13 marks and 36 possessions) strong contributors along with Alex Witherden, in a terrific club debut, Brad Sheppard and Tom Cole.