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COLLINGWOOD has followed a tried and true formula in selecting hard-at-it midfielder Jordan De Goey with its first choice in the NAB AFL Draft.
De Goey will tread the same path as premiership players Steele Sidebottom and former Magpie Dale Thomas in joining Collingwood via their first pick immediately after a big performance in the TAC Cup Grand Final.
De Goey kicked three goals in the Grand Final and provided the Oakleigh Chargers with a spark when the game was up for grabs, helping the team led by fellow Magpie Darcy Moore – who was chosen at No.9 as a father-son selection – to the premiership.
Thomas was best on ground in the 2005 TAC Cup Grand Final and Sidebottom kicked 11 goals in the 2008 decider.
A first-touch midfielder, De Goey is versatile to play in defence and up forward and has been compared to North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell.
He also brings to the Magpies the kicking skills that were sometimes lacking in 2014 and increases their midfield depth after they lost Dayne Beams during the trade period.
Although recruiter Derek Hine played his cards close to his chest up until he called De Goey's name, he did concede that having being able to select a tall in Moore had been a consideration in determining who they chose at No.5.
De Goey has just finished year 12 at St Kevin's College but impressed at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 15 possessions per game.
The Magpies will be hoping De Goey can follow a similar path to Thomas, Sidebottom or Beams and play senior football on the flanks in his first season before progressing to the midfield as he matures.
He was wearing the famous No.35 jumper just minutes after his name was called out with the Magpies allocating Simon Prestigiacomo and Peter Daicos's number to their first draft pick each season.
Collingwood also chose Brayden Maynard, whose grandfather Graham Campbell played 151 games with Fitzroy, won a best and fairest and coached the club, while Matthew Goodyear was a draft bolter with good performances late in the season.
"We feel it is a good mix for us. Along with Darcy Moore we have three really tough inside mids that can play in all areas of the ground," Hine said.
Selection No.5 – Jordan De Goey
Derek Hine says: "He plays 360 degrees, makes really good decisions and plays forward, back and midfield. He can play forward in his own right. His exposure to the elite pathway system has also been light so (there’s) plenty of scope."
Selection No.9 – Darcy Moore
Derek Hine says: "It's early days but it's not surprising the way he has attacked the system. He has been terrific in the way he has approached earning the respect of the playing group. He is healthy but we have to work out whether he goes forward or back."
Selection No.30 – Brayden Maynard
Derek Hine says: "He has played mainly off half-back but in his last couple of games this year were in the midfield. He's an elite kick and although he doesn't test high for endurance he doesn't play that way, running to the right spots. I would be surprised if he didn't play some footy next year. He is the grandson of former Fitzroy footballer and coach Graham Campbell."
Selection No.48 – Matthew Goodyear
Derek Hine says: "He has been able to come in and play at the highest level when the game is at its hottest. He has some work to do on his kicking but his speed/endurance combination and his ability to move laterally is impressive."
