Jeremy McGovern took his game to new heights in 2016. He became arguably the game’s best one-on-one defender and earned himself a maiden All Australian blazer at season's end.

McGovern notched up career-highs in marks, disposals, tackles, rebound-50s, inside-50s, clearances, contested possessions, contested marks and one percenters. He set new AFL records for contested marks from opposition kicks with 48 and intercept marks with 75.

2016 season highlights

Kicks: 18 vs Fremantle Rd 20

Handballs: 9 vs Sydney Swans Rd 5

Disposals: 23 vs Sydney Swans Rd 5

Marks: 9 vs Hawthorn Rd 22

Hit-outs: 6 vs Western Bulldogs W1

Tackles: 5 vs Collingwood Rd 19

Goals: 1 vs St Kilda Rd 8

AFL Fantasy: 90 vs Geelong Cats Rd 7

Matches to remember:

Round 4 v Richmond

McGovern was everywhere against the Tigers in round four, consistently halting their attacking moves with a fine display of intercept marking. Of the eight marks he took for the night, five of those were contested, and as a result the Tigers couldn't get through the Eagles’ defensive system. He ended the night  with 15 disposals, two inside-50s, nine contested possessions and two one percenters.

Round 20 v Fremantle

McGovern put on a clinic of modern defence against the Dockers, with the Eagles defender showcasing his ability to work off opponentsand become a dangerous ball user. He racked up 20 disposals across half-back, while also amassing four rebound-50s, three inside-50s and four one percenters.

Round 22 v Hawthorn

One of his best games for the year. McGovern put another stellar performance in front of the All Australian selectors on a Friday night against the three-time reigning champs. McGovern had 17 disposals, rebounded the football out of the defensive arc five times, took nine marks - of which four were contested - and had a team-high nine one percenters to be arguably best afield.