Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury tips Jordan De Goey to take his game to another level during 2019

Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has tipped Jordan De Goey will take his game to another level this year spending as much time in midfield as in attack.

Jordan De Goey celebrates a goal during last year's grand final. Picture: Michael Dodge.

Collingwood bull Jordan De Goey is ready to take his game to the next level, according to Scott Pendlebury, but the Magpies captain says it will come as much in the midfield as in attack this season.

De Goey, 23, predominantly played forward during the Magpies’ 2018 finals series, and was widely tipped to do the same for much of this year, especially given the club’s exceptionally deep midfield.

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While Pendlebury said he expected De Goey to be available to play against Geelong in Friday night’s Round 1 clash after overcoming a mid-foot sprain, he said the twin roles in the midfield and the forward line would keep opposition teams guessing.

“I am pretty confident he will be there in Round 1,” Pendlebury said.

“I think Jordy is ready to take his game to the next level, whether that is as a midfielder or a forward.

“He is an exciting player and he is a guy who loves this stage (the MCG). The more people here the better for him.”

Jordan De Goey celebrates a goal during last year's grand final. Picture: Michael Dodge.

Pendlebury expects De Goey to get more time in the midfield, not less, saying he had a big enough tank to deal with it.

Jordan De Goey handballs at Collingwood training.

“He is a great athlete and a great runner,” Pendlebury said. “It is one of those ones where it is similar to Dustin Martin … do you want him having 30 disposals or kicking four goals, and the answer is you probably want both.

“He can probably do that too, with how he finished last year.”

Having narrowly lost last year’s Grand Final, Pendlebury is confident the Magpies can have another big season, especially given the club’s relatively clean bill of health.

The recruitment of Dayne Beams has only added to the Pies’ midfield depth.

“We are in a great space to attack the early part of the season,” Pendlebury said. “I don’t envy the coaches having to sit down (next week) in that match committee.”

Originally published as Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury tips Jordan De Goey to take his game to another level during 2019