‘We can’t stand for that’: Brodie Grundy backs call to stand Jordan De Goey down

Jordan De Goey has not been permitted to train with the Magpies this pre-season and Brodie Grundy believes that’s the right call.

Grundy is standing by Collingwood's decision to suspend De Goey. Image: Instagram / Getty Images

Collingwood star Brodie Grundy supports the club’s decision to suspend Jordan De Goey pending his assault trial, saying the Magpies “can’t stand for” the behaviour of which he has been accused.

The Magpies stood De Goey down after he was charged with assaulting a man at a New York venue on October 30. De Goey’s second charge, for “forcible touching”, was dropped last month.

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Collingwood later rejected a joint request from De Goey and his manager to allow the 25-year-old to resume training with the playing group upon his return to Australia.

Grundy believes the call was the right one, and says De Goey is “a big enough boy” to deal with his exile.

“We are working really hard to make this club something that we are proud of,” Grundy said on Monday.

“That alleged behaviour is something that we can’t stand for, so until that plays out, that is something we know more about, Jordan will be spending time away.

“Until things play out, I am just supporting what the club is putting in place. Jordan is entering his eighth season now; he is a professional, I think he’ll be a big enough boy training away from the group and that is going to play out in the next five to six weeks.”

De Goey spent the night in a Manhattan jail cell following his arrest. Picture: Channel 9

De Goey has returned to Australia and faced court via video link last week, before his trial was adjourned until January.

Grundy said he had sympathy for De Goey but that the club could not give him a free pass back into training.

“You do empathise with him being overseas, by himself at that point. You do think it would be scary,” he said.

“But, obviously, the alleged behaviour is something we can’t stand for at this football club.”

Grundy said the club had nevertheless been in contact with De Goey.

“Jordan is still a Collingwood player and we support him,” he said.

“We reached out, we have been in constant conservation with him, and (we’re) hoping as a person he is doing the best he can.”

Grundy (L) and De Goey (R) both played in Collingwood’s 2018 Grand Final side. Picture: Julian Smith / AAP

Grundy said that if De Goey was permitted back at training, the ball would be in his court when it came to returning to match fitness.

“There is no reason why Jordan can’t be upskilled in the game plan and any stuff like that,” Grundy said.

“It’s just going to be on him, it’s going to be a challenge for him to be able to keep up his conditioning and to come in.

“But I am sure, if and when that happens, he will be desperate to put his best foot forward.”

Originally published as ‘We can’t stand for that’: Brodie Grundy backs call to stand Jordan De Goey down