Mitch McGovern has made a heartfelt tribute to his brother Jeremy after the West Coast star was forced to medically retire from the AFL.

The Carlton utility poked fun at himself as he took to social media to celebrate Jeremy’s career, which came to an end on Friday as the 33-year-old formally announced he was hanging up the boots after 197 games.

“Proud is an understatement for how I feel about what you’ve done with your footy journey,” the post read.

“You taught me almost everything I know about footy (sorry dad).

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been able to ride the highs and lows in what the game have given you, and you can walk away with a smile and your head held high.

“Thanks for the combined 5x All-Aus, 1x Premiership and 1x BnF. Love ya mate.”

A photo of the pair following the Eagles’ grand final victory in 2018, in which an emotional Mitch embraces his older brother, accompanied the post.

It also featured pictures of the brothers playing against each-other, during the 30-year-old’s time at Adelaide, as well as photos from their childhood.

Former West Coast captain and 2018 Norm Smith Medallist Luke Shuey also paid tribute to the champion defender, saying “we were all privileged to be a teammate of Jeremy McGovern.”

“We didn’t appreciate it enough throughout the journey but he was the type of player and clubman not everyone gets to play with,” Shuey said.

“He gave as much as he had in the tank, every time... he cared more than anyone... he made footy fun, in the hardest of times.

“He had every single person’s back who was in his corner and he did it all with the worst rig and most disgusting pre-season testing results you’ll every see.

“One of the greatest to ever do it, how lucky were we?!!”

The reigning Eagles club champion was recommended to retire by the AFL’s concussion panel after the latest in a series of head knocks he sustained in the Eagles’ round eight loss to Melbourne. He said he was “at peace” with the decision.