Nathan Buckley confident Collingwood providing right environment for Jordan De Goey
AFTER another big haul in front of goal, Pie Jordan De Goey added more value to his next contract. And coach Nathan Buckley is confident that will be at the Holden Centre.
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COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley is confident of being able to retain Jordan De Goey beyond this season despite the prospect of AFL rivals jostling for the goalkicking-midfielder’s signature
De Goey, 22, was already one of the hottest trade targets in the competition before kicking six goals in Saturday night’s 28-point win over St Kilda.
The No. 5 draft pick is expected to field offers in excess of $800,000 to lure him out of Collingwood.
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Cashed-up rivals North Melbourne and St Kilda are in the market for De Goey — one of next season’s top trade targets.
While Collingwood is highly confident of keeping De Goey, the club would almost certainly demand a top-three draft pick or A-grade player in return for the ball winner if he decided to leave at season’s end.
Buckley yesterday said he was comfortable with what the Magpies could offer De Goey.
“We’re really confident with the environment that we’re building around the place,” Buckley said.
“We love his instincts and we love his competitiveness.
“He’s not going to be a buttoned up, tie up, type player, we love his rough edges and we’re continuing to work with him to help him understand how beneficial he can be to the team.”
Buckley said the spike in form and some “tough love” during the off-season had given De Goey an understanding of his potential and expectations on and off the field.
“It’s a pretty solid relationship and we’re enjoying it,” Buckley told 3AW.
“He seems to be enjoying it, and we’re pretty confident it will continue.”
Buckley would not be drawn on whether De Goey owed Collingwood for standing by him during off-season scandals.
Magpies star Jeremy Howe said captain Scott Pendlebury had played a key role in De Goey’s preparation and fitness regimen this season.
“We sat Jordy down on multiple occasions (last year) and just tried to straighten a few things out, but the way he is going now, he is so valuable to our side. And it’s going to continue to build. His footy is in a really good spot at the moment,” Howe said on Triple M.
“The skipper has played a massive role in that, he has taken Jordy under his wing really and just shown him what’s like to be an elite AFL player.
“In the gym, he probably did hold himself back a little bit, but to his credit since Pendles was working with him, I think Pendles is trying to get away from him now.
“He’s on the right path but continually got to work hard, we will keep on to him. It looks good so far.”
Collingwood is hopeful Alex Fasolo’s ankle serious ankle injury does not end his season.
The goal kicker will today have scans to assess the severity of a suspected syndesmosis injury which he suffered in a comeback
The blow could sideline the clever forward for more than three months.
Fasolo is a free agent at season’s end and could entertain a move to another club after starting the season in the VFL.
He was replaced in the best 22 by Callum Brown and Jaidyn Stephenson.
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