David King says Jordan De Goey will one day be the best player in the AFL
Jordan De Goey kicked 48 goals in 2018 and in his one full game as a midfielder, he was dominant. In his preview of Collingwood’s season, DAVID KING predicts the young Pie will one day be the best player in the league.
Collingwood
Don't miss out on the headlines from Collingwood. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Cinderella story of 2018 completed a transformation from a club under siege to a united force that was three minutes shy of premiership glory.
Collingwood’s motto of side-by-side has never been more evident than the past 18 months. The Magpies were genuinely invested in one another and it shone in the way they played — and all credit must go to coach Nathan Buckley.
The only question is how much scarring has losing the Grand Final by such a slender margin inflicted on them?
THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S PRE-SEASON LIKES, DISLIKES
CRYSTAL BALL: EVERY REPORTER GIVES THEIR TOP 8
SUPERCOACH: THE SIX STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Buckley’s forward line personnel changes had the greatest influence on the revival. Deep forward threats with speed and class such as Jordan De Goey and 2018 NAB Rising Star Jaidyn Stephenson returned 86 goals between them — but their 40-plus forward 50 tackles were equally as important.
Their forward line speed put the opposition under more pressure and improved their scoring power, spiking the goals per inside 50 entry rating from 15th to fifth.
The statistics endorse a shift to a more rounded team defence.
Success in 2019 will be dictated by the midfield weaponry, including the gun ruckman.
The Magpies have 12-15 high quality midfielders.
At some stage De Goey will be rated the AFL’s best player.
The deep forward threat slotted 48 goals in 2018 and only played one full game as a midfielder, against Melbourne, for 30 disposals and 12 inside 50s.
Tom Phillips became one of the AFL’s premier wingmen, elevating his game and hitting the scoreboard with a 15-goal return.
His improvement allowed Steele Sidebottom to play 25 per cent more midfield minutes for more damaging disposals, a first All-Australian guernsey and a second Copeland Trophy.
Expect Stephenson to move into the midfield, where he has the speed and dare to embarrass many.
The Dayne Beams acquisition provides a midfielder who has averaged 28 disposals and a goal a game for the past two seasons.
Does Beams’ injection allow Scott Pendlebury to become a half‑back weapon, or even another deep forward option?
All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy is still only 24 and averaged a remarkable 20 disposals a game last season. And then there was his scoreboard impact — 13 goals in 2018, up from 2017’s four.
Collingwood’s 15-win season was built on 14 wins against teams outside the top eight. Yet its finals performances were sublime.
Though the Magpies face a tougher draw, their best is as good as anyone’s. The greatest concern is around the key defensive posts through injuries in 2018 to Lynden Dunn, Matthew Scharenberg, Ben Reid and Darcy Moore.
The Tyson Goldsack — Jeremy Howe key post pairing worked brilliantly late last season. Jordan Roughead is a canny off-season addition and can play a multitude of roles, including centre half-back.
Buckley’s leave of absence during pre-season is a sign Collingwood understands its flag challenge does not rely on one person.
Side-by-side and ready for another wild ride.
LAUREN WOOD’S SNAP CHAT WITH TYSON GOLDSACK
What’s the one AFL rule you would change?
Hits the goal/point post but remains in play … play on.
What’s your go-to meal when the club dietitians aren’t looking?
Chicken shnitty, coleslaw, chips, gravy on side (and half a dozen pots and/or red wine!).
Who is your club’s coach’s pet?
Pendles and Ads Treloar.
Who’s your Grand Final entertainment pick?
Fly in The Boss (Bruce Springsteen).
If I wasn’t a footballer I would be …
A lot less sore from day to day! Work‑wise, perhaps a landscaper.
Most hated/loved pre-season drill?
Hate any long-distance running, love gameplay.
SUPERCOACH AFL WITH GILBERT GARDINER
1 DAYNE BEAMS
$557,600 MID
Beams will relish not having to do all the heavy lifting at Collingwood and is impossible to ignore at that price. Get on.
2 JORDAN DE GOEY
$476,400 FWD
Only special players win games off their own boot and De Goey is one. Absolute beast in the second half of last season, only to be derailed by bone bruising.
3 ISAAC QUAYNOR
$153,300 DEF
Taken with Pick No. 13 in the national draft, the Collingwood Next Generation Academy prospect looks ready made, boasting speed and composure by hand and foot. Will get his chance.
CHRIS CAVANAGH’S YOUNG GUN — BRAYDEN SIER
Injuries and form had Sier on the verge of being cut from the Magpies’ list at the end of 2017 before he turned his game around to earn a Round 15 debut last year. The big‑bodied midfielder missed only one game for the rest of the season and had 21 disposals in the Grand Final, leading to comparisons with Sydney star Josh Kennedy.