AFL player Jordan de Goey arrested in US over alleged assault

Collingwood forward Jordan de Goey has reportedly been arrested in New York and charged with assault after an alleged incident in a bar overnight.

The 25-year-old de Goey has been charged with 'forcible touching and assault' after an encounter with a man and a woman at Chelsea bar PHD Rooftop Lounge, which sits atop Dream Hotel, where he and another man were staying.

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The other man, Luke Dyson, is believed to be a friend of De Goey's was also arrested and facing similar charges.

According to reports, De Goey and Dyson are alleged to have approached and groped a woman on the dancefloor, prompting a 37-year-old man to attempt to move the two Australians away.

Dyson is alleged to have then hit the 37-year-old man with a bottle, with police alleging they both continued the assault on the man while the woman called 911.

The story was first reported by the New York Daily News and covered by other American outlets, while AFL reporter Mitch Cleary tweeted early on Sunday morning that Collingwood were yet to be made aware of the arrest.

Later on in the morning, Collingwood addressed the reports through a statement.

The club said they were still working to speak to De Goey before they could offer any additional comment.

"Collingwood is aware of a report involving Jordan De Goey," the statement read.

"The club is attempting to contact Jordan, who is in the USA, to determine the facts of the matter.

"The club will not be in a position to comment further until it has done so."

De Goey faced sexual assault charges from Victoria Police in 2020 after an alleged incident dating back to 2015.

However, the charges against the Magpies forward were withdrawn earlier this year, with police agreeing to pay his legal costs.

New York arrest latest drama in Jordan De Goey's AFL career

Just a few weeks ago, de Goey had spoken about being in a strong mental space after what was a tumultuous 2021 season for the Magpies.

Long-time president Eddie McGuire resigned, head coach Nathan Buckley was sacked and several star players were shown the door in the off-season before starring for rival clubs.

It remains to be seen what De Goey's arrest in New York will mean for pre-season training or his 2022 campaign, which he had travelled to America to prepare for.

Citing struggles getting appropriate and varied training spaces, De Goey said venturing to the States had helped him into the best shape of his career.

"To be honest, in Australia your fitness almost just seems to plateau because you're doing a lot of the same stuff.

"So I'm feeling really refreshed mentally, physically, so ready to attack next year."

De Goey, who comes out of contract at the end of 2022, will be a free agent and is expected to attract heavy interest.

He said he decided to head to California, where his training under Johnny Louch has included intense fitness work but also mountain biking, towards the end of last season.

"When the opportunity arose I just jumped at it," De Goey said.

"I thought it was a great idea to be able to mix up my training - because it's shocking what's going on Australia at the moment with the COVID stuff but it does make it hard to train.

"Being over here you have a lot more access to different gyms and also trails and activities."

The 25-year-old - who averaged 21 disposals and three clearances in 2021 and finished fourth in Collingwood's best and fairest - expected to reap on-field rewards.

"Definitely this'll be the best shape I've come back in," he said.

"I think mentally as well I'll be in a really good head space, being able to come over here and do something new and meet some really good people ... and obviously physically I'm sure I'll be fit too."

With AAP

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