Collingwood coach unsure if Jordan De Goey will play for Magpies again

With Jordan De Goey’s court date just weeks away, Collingwood’s new coach was coy when asked about the troubled star’s playing future.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Jordan De Goey of the Magpies takes the ball during the round eight AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on May 08, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Collingwood coach Craig McRae expects Jordan De Goey to return to Australia this month but admits he’s unsure if he will play for the club again.

De Goey is in the US, where he is facing assault charges over an incident in a New York nightclub in October.

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The 25-year-old is charged with kicking and punching a man at a Halloween party.

De Goey’s court date is set for December 8 but he is expected to appear in a New York court via video link.

In a statement released earlier this month, his lawyer Jacob Kaplan said De Goey “intends to vigorously defend himself against these unwarranted charges”.

New York prosecutors withdrew initial charges alleging that De Goey had forcibly touched a woman during the nightclub incident.

The star midfielder-forward, who originally travelled to the US to improve his fitness during the off-season, has been stood down by Collingwood.

Jordan De Goey’s AFL future is up in the air. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Speaking at the first day of pre-season training, McRae said he had been in contact with De Goey but said it’s too early to say if he will pull on a Magpies jumper again.

“Time will tell on that, there’s a bit to play out,” the new coach said.

“It’s a little bit premature to say whether he’ll be back here training and the like. But one thing I will say is (I’m) just touching base with Jordy regularly to make sure he’s OK.

“Over my journey working with some great coaches I’ve learnt that you just want to make sure the person’s OK and care for the person first.

“One thing I’ve probably learned over this period in particular is to just be patient and let the facts come before you pass judgement.”

McRae stressed it was important for the legal process to run its course before the club makes any decision on De Goey’s future.

Craig McRae isn’t sure if De Goey will play for Collingwood again. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I’ll just let that take its own course, but (I’m) more concerned about Jordy’s wellbeing,” he said.

“I’ve just been touching base with him regularly and I know he’s training hard over there now.

“I think he’s sort of coming to terms with everything but I won’t go into full detail about everything that we spoke about.

“I want all our players, not just Jordy, to feel that I’ve got their back and show the love and support where it’s needed.”

McRae wasn’t certain when De Goey would return to Australia but said he could be back by the end of November.

Originally published as Collingwood coach unsure if Jordan De Goey will play for Magpies again