ONE OF West Coast's premiership heroes Jeremy McGovern says he was "very close" to missing the Grand Final through internal bleeding.
McGovern suffered a badly corked hip in last week's preliminary final win over the Demons and didn't train until Friday after the Grand Final parade in Melbourne.
The three-time All Australian defender said a number of Eagles figures were involved in the decision to clear him to face the Magpies but that it wasn't a sure thing he would line up on Saturday.
"[I was] very close [to not playing]. Yesterday afternoon the decision was made. It was very touch-and-go this week, but I'm grateful we've got a great physio staff," he said after the last-gasp five-point win.
"I just didn't want to let the team down. I didn't want to become a burden on the day, and if I ran out there and I was off for the last three quarters then it wouldn't be great for the team. It was more down to the team decision and not worrying about myself."
McGovern was crucial in the Eagles' come-from-behind triumph, having 14 disposals and taking nine marks – including a brilliant grab in the final two minutes that led to Dom Sheed's match-winning goal.
WATCH Eagles celebrate on the siren
He denied suggestions he played out the game with a cracked rib but said the injury had been worse than originally thought.
"I trained yesterday afternoon and I felt pretty good. I was still in a bit of pain but I could function well," he said.
"The ribs are fine. I had a big corkie, it bled a little bit more internally so it was a bit more dangerous than most, but it was fine."
McGovern played in the Eagles' 2015 Grand Final defeat to Hawthorn, and things looked set to go pear-shaped again for Adam Simpson's men after they conceded the opening five goals of the game.
The 26-year-old said the club had focused on improving its mental resilience and that came through on Saturday at the MCG.
"It is a great test of character. We've done a bit of stuff on the mental side of things and the way we view things and we've been in those situations before and crumbled. We were pretty gallant, a lot of our KPIs we hit," he said.
WATCH The thrilling final two minutes
"They took more opportunities. We didn't think they were dominating that much. On the scoreboard they definitely were. We just stayed calm and played our roles all day.
"[I'm] bloody stoked. They're great emotions. We've been on the other end of it and it's good that we're on this side of it. It's good to see everyone smiling."
