Jordan De Goey Reflects on 2017 Incident and Personal Struggles: “A Dark Time in My Life”

Collingwood Magpies star Jordan De Goey recently opened up about a tumultuous period in his life, reflecting on the 2017 incident that led to his suspension and a $5,000 fine. The altercation, which occurred at a Melbourne bar, was a low point in De Goey’s early career, marked by personal challenges and poor decisions.

In an emotional interview, De Goey expressed deep remorse for his actions and provided insight into the dark times he was experiencing at the time. “That period in 2017 was incredibly tough for me,” he began. “I made some bad choices and hurt a lot of people, including myself. I regret the fight and the impact it had on my career and reputation.”

De Goey’s suspension by Collingwood and the fine imposed by the club were significant wake-up calls. “Being suspended and fined made me realize that I needed to take responsibility for my actions. It wasn’t just about the punishment; it was about understanding the consequences of my behavior and the need to make changes,” he explained.

Beyond the incident itself, De Goey revealed that he was dealing with various personal issues that contributed to his state of mind. “I was going through a really dark time,” he admitted. “There were things in my personal life that I hadn’t dealt with properly, and I was struggling to cope. Football was my escape, but off the field, I felt lost.”

The aftermath of the fight prompted De Goey to seek help and make significant changes in his life. “I started seeing a therapist and working through my issues,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I had to confront my problems head-on and learn healthier ways to deal with stress and pressure.”

De Goey’s journey to redemption involved rebuilding trust with his teammates, coaches, and fans. “I knew I had to earn back the respect I had lost,” he remarked. “The support from the club, my family, and my friends was crucial. They stood by me and believed in my ability to change, which made a huge difference.”

Since the incident, De Goey has focused on his career and personal growth, striving to be a better player and person. “I’ve worked hard to turn things around,” he said. “I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I know it’s an ongoing process. Every day is an opportunity to do better and be better.”

Collingwood’s leadership praised De Goey’s efforts to improve and his commitment to the team. “Jordan has shown tremendous growth since 2017,” said Nathan Buckley, former Collingwood coach. “He’s matured both on and off the field, and his dedication to personal development is evident.”

De Goey’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the potential for personal transformation. “I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the second chance I’ve been given,” he concluded. “I want to use my experience to help others who might be going through similar struggles. It’s never too late to make positive changes.”

As he continues to excel in his football career, Jordan De Goey’s past serves as a testament to resilience and the capacity for change, inspiring both his peers and fans to overcome their own challenges and strive for a better future.