West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern revealed he tried to skip last year's grand final parade, but quickly had to catch an Uber there after the AFL refused his request.
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McGovern was nursing heavy bleeding near some vital organs in the lead-up to the grand final against Collingwood.
The 26-year-old needed to pass a fitness test on the day before the match to be given the all clear to play, and he originally planned to skip the traditional grand final parade in order to train more.
But when the AFL said no, McGovern had to quickly organise his own way there, and ended up arriving late.
"We were planning on not going because obviously it is a two hour thing and we were going to try to get a bit more work on it before training," McGovern said.
"The AFL said no so I just had to rock up late in the Uber. It is what it is and it worked out."
McGovern's injury was so serious that he wasn't sure whether he would be given the green light to play.
"That (the decision to play) was made Friday arvo before the game," McGovern said.
"I had to do a few things and tick a few boxes and I wasn't sure myself to be honest. I had to get through training and had to convince Simmo (coach Adam Simpson) and the other staff
"It's all been glorified a fair bit. Most people probably play with a bit of pain."
McGovern played a star role in the five-point grand final win, with his late mark in defence helping set up Dom Sheed's match winner.
McGovern finished with 14 disposals and nine marks.
But his heroics came at a cost, with the three-time All-Australian injuring his ribs during the match.
The ribs failed to heal naturally, meaning McGovern underwent surgery last month to insert a plate.
McGovern is confident he will be fit to play at least one game during the pre-season.
"I have pretty much done 90 per cent of the pre-season," McGovern said.
"I just had to have a small surgery on my rib, to put a plate in it to help it heal.
"I am running, trying to stay away from contact a little bit but JLT (pre-season series) - I have pretty much pencilled it in to play in that. It is a couple of weeks away so I should be fine."
West Coast's first pre-season game is at home to Geelong on March 1.
Australian Associated Press
