JORDY TO STAY PUT

De Goey’s two-year deal to stick with Collingwood

REFORMED bad boy Jordan De Goey left millions of dollars on the table to pledge his loyalty to Collingwood until 2020.

De Goey yesterday signed a two-year deal worth between $1.5-1.6 million. The 22-yearold admitted he was “flattered” by the interest in him by clubs, as North Melbourne offered $5 million over five years.

Collingwood’s tough love paid huge dividends this year as a player suspended for drink-driving returned to play career-best footy then commit to the Pies.

What shaped as a challenging assignment for new list manager Ned Guy has instead seen him sign De Goey, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jeremy Howe, Ben Reid and Matthew Scharenberg.

Next on the list are 2018 revelation Josh Thomas as well as high-profile pair Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore, the latter due back in the VFL next week.

Elliott is holding off talks until he can return to the senior team while Moore wants to stay but is being courted by Sydney.

The Swans have interest but must first sign Jake Lloyd, Sam Naismith, Heath Grundy and Aliir Aliir before assessing their cap space.

Collingwood is second on the ladder, with Richmond and the Pies the top two sides for the first time since Round 12, 1977.

De Goey’s two-year contract brokered by manager Ben Niall will allow him to sign a bumper deal at the peak of his powers at the age of 24.

But all players are aware their careers can be short-lived as a result of injury, which makes his decision all the more remarkable.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to remain at Collingwood and grateful to the people who have helped me find my way,” De Goey said. “I’m happy to have a club and some fantastic people around me that I can rely on, trust and enjoy life with. And there is clearly something building at Collingwood that I want to share in. The interest from elsewhere was flattering and I hope I dealt with those inquiries respectfully. I’ll now continue to push to improve, to get the best out of myself and those around me.”

North Melbourne great Wayne Carey said yesterday De Goey had made the right move for his future.

“Two years is perfect. It would have been irresponsible of the Kangaroos to give him $1 million,’’ he said. “He is a very talented footballer and, if he lives up to that, the money is going to be there.”