Exciting young forward Mitch McGovern says he’s “loving every moment” at Adelaide after signing a one-year contract extension.

The new deal will see McGovern stay with the Crows until at least the end of 2017.

McGovern joins All Australian defenders Daniel Talia and Brodie Smith in committing to the Club.

The 21-year-old from Western Australia said he jumped at the opportunity to sign on.

“There’s a fantastic group of boys here and I’m loving every moment that I’m at the Club,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a stress-reliever (getting my contract done now), and I’ve got nothing to worry about now for the next year-and-a-bit.

“It just gives you time to focus on your footy and have a bit of fun while you’re here as well.”

Senior Coach Don Pyke said he was pleased to secure McGovern’s signature.

“Mitch is a quality person and a player that is always looking to learn more about the game,” Pyke said.

“He is athletic, skillful and epitomizes the team-first approach of our Club.”

Recruited with pick No.43 in the 2014 AFL National Draft, McGovern endured a frustrating first year.

The athletic, 191cm, 89kg, goalkicker was limited to 11 SANFL games because of an Achilles injury.

He showed glimpses of his potential late in the season, including a four-goal game against Norwood.

“It was a tough first year, but that’s just footy,” McGovern said.

“You’re going to have a rollercoaster run. Footy is never just smooth sailing.

“To be on top of my Achilles (injury) now is really good. To have the continuity and train week-in and week-out and get my fitness base to where it needs to be to play AFL, it sets me in the right direction.

“I feel a lot more comfortable in myself now.”

The Club took a conservative approach to McGovern’s second AFL pre-season.

He was placed on a modified program pre-Christmas, and eased into full training.

“I was raring to go come day one of pre-season, but they (the Physical Performance team) held me back,” he said.

“(Medical Services Coordinator) Rohan (Hattotuwa) and the physio staff and doctors did a terrific job with me. I think I’m reaping the rewards now of them holding me back.”

McGovern impressed enough in his limited time training with the main group to be selected for Adelaide’s opening two NAB Challenge matches.

His AFL Crows ‘debut’ came against older brother Jeremy’s team, West Coast. Mitch had limited possessions, but showed his class with a clean gather and left-foot snap goal in the last quarter.

“I was a bit disappointed he (Jeremy) didn’t play,” McGovern said.

“No, I think it was a good thing. I’d love to (play) him first up in a proper AFL match, which would be fantastic.

“The boys played well that day and had a good win, which was nice to be part of.”

McGovern’s second pre-season match was at Mount Barker near his home town of Albany in WA.

He set an unofficial Club record for ticket requests, with more than 80 family members and friends turning out to watch him play at Sounness Park.

“It was an unbelievable experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

“It’s not very often when you’re a country kid that you get to play near your home town.

“To get the opportunity to fly home and see Mum and Dad, all the friendly faces in the crowd and people that you know was great.

“Mum and Dad got their hands on a few tickets! I don’t know how they got so many, but they distributed a few to friends and family, which was good.”

McGovern said the pace of AFL footy, even in pre-season games, was a big adjustment.

“I’ve played two NAB Challenge games now, which is really great. I’m very thankful for the opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve learned a fair bit, just the way the ball moves and (making) comparisons from SANFL to AFL, it’s a lot quicker and a lot cleaner.”

Entering his second year at the Club, McGovern knows he’s got work to do to force his way into Adelaide’s talented forward line. His plan is to build up through the SANFL and put pressure on his senior teammates.

“Constant improvement is my goal this year,” he said.

“I understand we’ve got an unbelievable forward line and team with the list that we have. Looking for an AFL game straight away probably isn’t at the top of my to-do list, just yet.

“It’s about improving and trying to put my hand for that spot, and sort of make everyone else better above me.”

Sunday’s match was special for another reason.

It was the first time housemates McGovern, Harry Dear and Reilly O’Brien have played in Adelaide’s AFL team together.

The trio was drafted to the Club at the end of 2014, and McGovern said the bond between the young players had made the transition to life in a new city easier.

“Living with Reilly and Harry is good fun. It’s also a bit of an eye-opener and reminds me of myself when I first lived out of home!” he said.

“It’s really good to gel and bond with someone, or two guys from the same draft as yourself. It’s good fun. We’re having to grow up real quick, well, they are!

“I’m the big brother, the father and the mum all in one. No, it’s good, really.”