Mitch McGovern’s Insights on Club Priorities and Player Contributions

“It holds significant importance for the entire team.”

Mitch McGovern anticipates the Good Friday SuperClash against North Melbourne, highlighting its unifying effect on the entire Club during the build-up to the match.

During a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital on Monday morning, the defender conveyed appreciation for the opportunity to leverage his platform in support of the Good Friday Appeal.

McGovern, instrumental in initiating the fundraising auction alongside fellow players and the Club to bolster the Good Friday Appeal, expressed eagerness to sustain contributions to a cause that holds immense significance for many.

Reflecting on last year’s participation in the game, McGovern expressed hope for its continued inclusion in the Club’s schedule, underscoring its elevated priority for himself and the team in giving back.

He emphasized the collective enthusiasm among players to contribute to the auction, regardless of the items they could offer.

The Carlton team recently had an earlier-than-usual bye, but the 29-year-old clarified that they had been anticipating this since the preseason, assuring the media of their readiness for Friday’s match against the Kangaroos.

“We structured our preseason knowing about the early bye,” he explained, attributing their preparation to the guidance of the high-performance and coaching staff. “At this point, it’s about resetting, prioritizing recovery, and gearing up for the upcoming week.”

While Carlton may consider a few player additions for Friday’s game, McGovern highlighted the team’s resilience with their ‘next-man-up’ mentality, which has proven effective in their recent victories.

“Players like Brodie Kemp, Lewis Young, Jordan Boyd, and Zac Williams stepping up epitomizes this mindset,” the defender stated, emphasizing how their collective effort has contributed to the team’s positive momentum.

“We’ve seen ‘Youngy’ and ‘Kempy’ really excel in those positions,” he remarked.

“Moreover, as a collective, the entire defensive unit – with Boyd stepping in after only playing a few games last year and the addition of Zac Williams – has been instrumental. Despite Weitering’s absence, we’ve remained cohesive as a team, not just within the back seven but across the entire 18-man squad.”

Regarding Zac Williams, McGovern acknowledged his ongoing improvement with increased game time, which has significantly bolstered Carlton’s already formidable defensive lineup.

“Zac’s return and his adaptability both defensively and offensively have been invaluable to us,” he explained. “He continues to gain confidence with each passing week, further enhancing our defensive capabilities.”