AFL greats highlight ugly detail in Jordan de Goey video furore
Matthew Lloyd and Kane Cornes have highlighted the glaring reality of Jordan de Goey's Bali nightclub controversy, questioning whether other top players would have travelled overseas if they were in his position.
Collingwood and the AFL are investigating footage of De Goey partying in Bali, with the much-maligned Magpies star seen imitating a sex act and seemingly attempting to expose a women's breast in the videos.
'THIS IS HORRIFIC': AFL world left shocked by 'sickening' scenes
'STUPID DECISION': Collingwood under fire over De Goey call
While De Goey travelled to Bali during Collingwood's mid-season break, he has come under fresh scrutiny over the latest off-filed drama for the 26-year-old.
Addressing the controversy on Sunday, Essendon legend Lloyd said De Goey will “have a lot of regrets” in 10 years’ time because “he didn’t get the most out of his ability that he’s been blessed with.”
Collingwood's Jordan De Goey has declared enough is enough when it comes to public scrutiny of AFL players, following intense criticism of his Bali trip.
The star Pie posting a scathing statement on social media a short time ago @bradeningram #9News pic.twitter.com/zvxNgZQGlm— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) June 18, 2022
Lloyd said other top players wouldn't have travelled to Bali if they were in De Goey's position.
“I’m looking at the coaches’ votes - Lachie Neale on top. Would he go to Bali and be drinking now? No he wouldn’t," Lloyd said.
"Andy Brayshaw second, Patrick Cripps third, Christian Petracca fourth, Clayton Oliver fifth, Touk Miller sixth. None of these guys would even think about.
"So whether it’s right or wrong, we can argue that. But in terms of why he is what he is, and where he’s still at in his career, it’s because of decisions like that.”
De Goey addressed the furore on Sunday morning, defending his actions.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank my family, friends and supporters who have checked in or sent messages of support in the past 24 hours,” he wrote on social media.
“I want to openly address the relentless pursuit and persecution of athletes by the media to create an uneducated, bias (sic) and ill-informed narrative that has gone too far.
“I am one of the lucky ones with amazing support, however not all athletes are so lucky.
“This will end in tragedy if no one speaks up. It’s time for change."
Woman in Jordan de Goey videos speaks out
But according to Cornes, the Collingwood star has missed the point.
“I don’t think it’s acceptable to behave like that in 2022,” he said.
“Clubs suspend players and have done all the time for drinking mishaps - Fremantle just had one with Michael Frederick for drinking on a six-day break … you can easily suspend a player.
“I think they’ve set him up to fail and it was a ridiculous decision, once again Collingwood are on the front of the paper for two days in a row and they look foolish as a result of one of their players.”
Cornes said De Goey’s response was “embarrassing" and that “he’s misread the room as much as he’s misread the room by going to Bali.”
On Saturday afternoon, the woman seen in the videos with De Goey also defended his actions.
“I can’t believe the backlash towards Jordy and myself over here in Bali … nothing to see here,” Remy Jackson wrote on social media.
De Goey was stood down by Collingwood last October after he was arrested for a drunken incident at a New York nightclub.
De Goey and a friend were arrested at a Manhattan rooftop bar following an alleged brawl with other patrons.
In January, De Goey pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment at a hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court and was ordered to complete 10 counselling sessions with a focus on anger management and alcohol treatment.
He was stood down by Collingwood during the legal process and returned to training in January.
with AAP
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