A SELF-CONFESSED ‘footyhead’ from day one, Mitch McGovern has always loved the opportunity to run out and play the sport he loves.

It’s why the last few years have been so frustrating. 

Prior to this season, McGovern had played 40 games - the majority in the forward line - in five seasons since swapping West Lakes for IKON Park. However, 2023 was a seminal one in McGovern’s redemption arc.

Featuring in 22 games (his most in a season outside of his first), McGovern was a key cog in a Carlton defensive setup which was the backbone for the team’s rise to a preliminary final.

When asked if there was anything he could attribute to his individual season that was, his answer was immediate.

“I’ve got two kids now! There’s a bit less to do on the weekends, more time with them and the family — I reckon that has a big impact,” McGovern told Carlton Media.

“Having a lot of perspective on life and the journey footy takes you on, it definitely changes. That benefited me.”

Carlton’s been home for Mitch’s side of the McGovern family in the last handful of years, with a number of his teammates flocking to South Australia a fortnight ago as Mitch and Kirsten tied the knot.

Having chalked up 50 Navy Blue games - plus 100 career games - in season 2023, there was never any doubt in McGovern’s eyes about recommitting to the football club, ensuring Margot and Hamish will be running around in the rooms for years to come.

“I was never leaving.

“I love the Navy Blues, I love playing with these boys. I think we’ve got a great group and culture here.

“I was very fortunate to sign for two more years, hopefully I stay a ‘Bagger for life with my name on the locker, a premiership and 100 games.”

Just don’t expect those to be in the forward line.

When Harry McKay and Jack Martin were both unavailable for the semi final, attention turned to whether McGovern could return to the forward mix against Melbourne.

Sans for a brief cameo when the Blues were chasing the game and Blake Acres kicked that goal (“I had the front seat”, says McGovern), the No.11 was stationed in defence — and it was a sure-fire sign that he’s well and truly a defender now.

And he had a top-10 finish in the John Nicholls Medal to show for it.

“I think so! I was in ‘Vossy’s’ ear about potentially swinging back forward, but I’ll leave it to the big boys.

“I’m extremely proud of not just the back six or seven that we played with the majority of the time, but it’s also the midfield and forward group putting the pressure on and allowing us to do what we do.

“It was only my second year playing down back in the AFL, so it was a good experience for me. Hopefully, I can keep growing on that . . . whatever I can do to help the team, I’m trying to do it.”