Jordan De Goey arrives back in Australia late last year.Credit:Nine News
“Club officials have spoken at length with Jordan about the situation and his behaviour more generally,and he recognises that change is necessary. He also understands that his actions from here will need to be evidence of that change. The responsibility to rebuild trust is his to carry and he fully understands the consequences of any future issue,” Anderson said.
The agreement which cleared the way for De Goey’s return is expected to be ratified in the New York criminal court on January 28 and no criminal conviction will be recorded,with Collingwood accepting that the agreement concluded legal proceedings.
The Magpies therefore reinstated the 25-year-old who becomes a free agent at the end of the season to their training program,withDe Goey to return to full training on Friday for the first time since Collingwood stood him down on October 31 after he was arrested following an alleged incident at a Manhattan nightclub.
As part of the agreement De Goey has agreed to accept continuing support off-field and to co-operate with health professionals providing such support and will do permanent,part-time work with the Salvation Army-an organisation he did work with in 2018 when he was suspended after being caught drink-driving.
The Salvation Army work will be the agreed program New York judge Anna Swern requested during the court hearing on January 18 when she adjourned the case. There has been no financial penalty imposed on De Goey,although he has had to finance his legal representation.
The Magpies said on Wednesday they would wait until after the matter was concluded officially on January 28 but they changed tack on Thursday after the board meet to consider the matter and said they were prepared to accept the agreement to allow De Goey into the program earlier.
In a statement new president Jeff Browne said the club would back De Goey to commit to his profession.