Due to illness, Jordan De Goey had to withdraw from last weekend’s Five match. Due to some mild aftereffects from that sickness, he is presently finishing his training off-site. Later on in the week, he will join the group.
The truth about de Goey’s “shape droop” and the “turnover machinery” of the Magpies
Jordan de Goey, the superstar from Collingwood who is currently off of form, has received a lot of attention from his teammates. Some shocking statistics from the 28-year-old’s start to 2024 have surfaced.
De Goey started this season ranked 204th, a dramatic drop from his ranking of third place in 2023 for producing damage from handball receives according to the AFL Player Ratings. However, dual premiership player David King isn’t only blaming him.
“Jordy de Goey fascinates the whole lot of us, and I think he’s the drummer in the band at Collingwood – he keeps them in rhythm,” King said.
“When Jordan makes decisions, everything work out; he’s the best decision-maker on their squad.”
The Pies’ game style and the ways in which the opposing coaches have adjusted are more important than ever as they head into their pivotal matchup with Brisbane with a 0-3 record.
“I get that he’s a touch off form, but who is to blame for that?” King inquired.
“Is it the other teams or Ross Lyon’s statement (last week) that ‘hey, we’re not getting defeated by what we know here,’ or is it Collingwood’s and the players for not providing him the footy when he’s available and open.”
“It’s great coaching, and everyone knows it.”
De Goey’s direct and indirect scoreboard impact has also been hurt by the evolution of opposition game plans, as he registered his lowest number of score involvements (two) in six years against St Kilda last week.
King emphasized, “The last time he had less scoring involvements in a game was Round 6, 2018—that’s over 100 games ago.”
De Goey kicked one goal in his first three games of 2024 after kicking 18 of his 21 goals the previous season.
Even though coaches have put offensive challenges in front of de Goey and his teammates, King still thinks they should be doing more to get the ball into his hands.
“If you look closer, Collingwood isn’t getting him the ball; he’s a man who runs that wing line and receives handballs,” he remarked.
While citing footage of the running patterns and disposal moving forward of multiple Magpies players on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, the two-time All-Australian outlined occasions of what can eventuate when de Goey’s teammates are passed the ball instead.
“This is what happens when you give it to those guys – they become turnover machines,” King explained.
“Is it other players thinking they can do more now? Are they putting their needs before the teams?
“It’s not an easy fix, but certainly correctable – give him (de Goey) the footy when he’s open.”
Brisbane are a team de Goey has historically enjoyed playing against, averaging two goals and 18 disposals against last year’s Grand Finalists.
He has not kicked more goals against an opposition in his 161-game career than Brisbane (22).
The Pies’ potentially season-defining match against the Lions at the Gabba starts at 7:30pm AEDT on Thursday.
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