In-form De Goey on radar of rivals

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley is confident of retaining Jordan De Goey beyond this season, despite rival clubs circling the goalkicking midfielder.

De Goey, 22, booted six goals in Saturday night’s 28-point win over St Kilda, taking his season tally to 15 from six games.

The No.5 draft pick is expected to field offers in ex- cess of $800,000 to lure him from Collingwood.

Cashed-up North Melbourne and St Kilda are in the market.

While Collingwood is confident of keeping De Goey, it would almost certainly demand a top-three draft pick or A-grade player if he decided to leave.

Buckley yesterday said he was comfortable with what the Magpies could offer De Goey.

“We’re really confident with the environment that we’re building around the place,” he said. “We love his instincts and we love his competitiveness.

“He’s not going to be a buttoned up, tie up, type player, we love his rough edges and we’re continuing to work with him to help him understand how beneficial he can be to the team.”

Buckley said the spike in form and some “tough love” in the off-season had given De Goey an understanding of his potential and expectations on and off the field.

He would not be drawn on whether De Goey owed Collingwood for standing by him during off-season scandals.