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Taylor Adams believes Jordan De Goey has been used as a scapegoat for Collingwood’s poor 2021 and explained his side of a leaked changeroom chat which made headlines.

Jordan De Goey had a quiet game against Gold Coast. Picture: Michael Klein

Taylor Adams says Jordan De Goey has become the “scapegoat” for Collingwood losses, adamant his message to the inconsistent forward was one of support after the loss to Gold Coast.

It was reported a group of senior players had demanded more from De Goey as well as themselves after a quiet clash against the Suns.

Adams strongly denied that on social media as “garbage” and on Monday, at the launch of the MND Big Freeze game on Queens Birthday, detailed the nature of his discussion with De Goey.

“There was quite a bit of media attention around Jordy last week and he seems to be the scapegoat when Collingwood aren’t going well,” he said.

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Jordan De Goey had a quiet game against Gold Coast. Picture: Getty Images

“Some of the stuff that was reported was inaccurate. My conversation was leaked from the changerooms, I am not sure how that happens, but the conversation was inaccurate.

“Jordan and I have a great relationship, we have been working on for a number of years now. And we try to make each other better. The conversation was based around one of support, helping him while I am in rehab, watch extra vision, do extra sessions, be a sounding board for him.

“He was coming off a concussion and played a quieter game and I am glad he came out and played the way he did. He had a great week on the track so has to emulate that week.”

The report said the Pies leaders had “put the acid” on De Goey, with Adams less than thrilled any of that conversation had found its way into the media.

“I am not sure if it actually gets leaked, sometimes Chinese whispers turn into something else. My biggest concern for Jordan was not having it brought up in what was being said.

“He knew what had happened and he was very comfortable with how the club handled it.

Jordan De Goey enjoyed a return to form against North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

“Jordan De Goey wasn’t the reason we lost the game against the Gold Coast, although it seemed like that last week so it was pleasing to see him come out and perform.”

Jeremy Howe continues to battle hamstring pain, with Adams making clear he was not a certain starter against Sydney next week.

He is battling a scar tissue injury in his hamstring but needs to train well this week to play.

He said Jordan Roughead, not concussed but finishing the North Melbourne win off the ground after a head knock, was keen to play against the Swans.

Those conversations will need to be had with the AFL this week to give him the all-clear under the league’s protocols around head knocks and concussions.