Collingwood’s John Noble opens up on being caught up in footy’s fake text scandal, his rise and playing finals
It had it all. AFL players betting on their own team and Collingwood being kicked out of finals. But last month’s fake text message scandal had a victim — John Noble.
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John Noble was just one game into his AFL career with Collingwood when he became embroiled in a fake footy scandal.
A screenshot of a text message, claiming to be sent by Noble to his former babysitter, spread like wildfire on social media in early August.
It said the Magpies were about to be kicked out of the finals after a group of players had bet on their own games.
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The message was purportedly from “John Nobes”, but it had nothing to do with the Pies’ mid-season recruit, who was taken aback when he came across it.
“I was to a point annoyed,” Noble told the Herald Sun this week.
“There’s always that sort of stuff going on, regardless of whether it’s footy or just in the world in general.
“It was annoying, yes, because I was trying to make my own career and have a good start and learn all the club’s strategy. For that to come up early was disappointing, but there was nothing in it.”
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The Magpies spoke to Noble about the message, but knew full well it was fake.
Regardless, it was not an ideal start to life at Olympic Park.
“It was early days so I copped a full whack of everything in a couple of weeks,” Noble said.
The rocky start did not last long, and Noble is on cloud nine as he prepares for a preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
It has been a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old, who just four months ago was running around for West Adelaide in the SANFL still searching for an opportunity at AFL level.
“I never forget where I’ve come from and it’s been a long journey to get here but I’m certainly appreciating every moment,” Noble said.
“I said, just talking to the boys and reflecting, that getting drafted was one thing and then getting a game and playing finals is on another level. So it certainly is a dream come true.”
Noble made his debut against West Coast in Round 17, only to be sidelined for two weeks with a calf injury.
But the defender returned to fitness and form at the right time, coming back into the senior side in Round 22 and holding his spot into September.
“To come into the team at an important time is something special and I just can’t wait to keep this rollercoaster going,” Noble said.
“The advice from all the coaches and players has been just play to your strengths, do the basics really well and I think that’s just what I’ve based my game on to get drafted.
“So continuing to do that at the next level hasn’t really surprised me.
“You’ve got so much support around you it really does make it easier.”
Being a mid-season draftee presented a challenge.
Noble didn’t have a full summer to get to know his new teammates and coaches. Instead, he had a matter of weeks to fit in if he wanted to play a senior game this season.
“I think firstly it was about earning the respect of everyone within the club, not just the players and coaches,” Noble said.
“It was just all about making an effort. Getting to know players, asking them to catch up for a coffee. It’s as simple as that.”
Out of contract at season’s end, Noble is yet to entertain talks about his future. They will happen post-season.
For now, the focus is firmly on the Giants and ensuring Noble’s rollercoaster does not run off the rails before reaching the pinnacle of a Grand Final.
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“They’re a tough team,” Noble said of GWS.
“They certainly hit it hard last weekend and they’re a team that takes their opportunities when they’re presented so it will be a tough challenge.
“I just can’t wait to get out there.”
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