Nathan Buckley weighs in on Jordan De Goey’s future

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is keeping a close eye on his old club and the plight of star midfielder Jordan De Goey.

Former Magpies coach Nathan Buckley with Jordan de Goey in 2020. Picture: AAP

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he’ll be keenly watching on as the Magpies decide on the future of Jordan De Goey.

The club suspended De Goey pending his trial after he was charged with assaulting a man at a New York venue on October 30.

“It’s obviously well scrutinised and publicised and I haven’t spoken to Jordy personally in that time,’’ Buckley said.

“It’s probably not just going to be a footy decision, it’ll be an all of club decision as well. I think we get it mixed up, the on field performance and the personal side of it.

“The club has a few decisions to make. Do they want to stay the course with it and give him another opportunity? I’ll be observing with everyone else to see what happens there.”

Buckley had a day out at the Australian Open with his son Ayce as a guest of Piper-Heidsieck where he was reunited with his I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! castmate Maria Thattil.

He walked past the Magpies training on the way to Melbourne Park. Last year he stepped down as coach of the club after 10 years in the job.

Maria Thattil and Nathan Buckley in the Piper-Heidsieck champagne bar at Melbourne Park Picture: Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia

“A sliding doors moment,’’ he said.

“Just walking down Olympic Boulevard and the boys were training. I’ve chosen to get right away from it. It’s been great to have that period away but I’m coming to a social event and they’re training. That’s where I’m at.”

Buckley also said there needed to be some degree of understanding for De Goey.

“One thing generally that we forget is we’re dealing with young men in the AFL climate and young women in the AFLW environment that are still working themselves out and they’re doing it in a very public existence,’’ Buckley said.

“That scrutiny brings a lot of pressure and expectation and anxiety for some. It’s not an easy thing to do. A lot of people think that because you play sport or you’re good at sport you should be an upstanding citizen but that’s not the way it goes. You’re going to make blues and they’re going to be laid bare unfortunately. Trying to develop and grow and find the best version is pretty tough in that environment.”