'Time will tell': Collingwood's big Jordan De Goey admission
Rookie Collingwood coach Craig McRae says he expects Jordan De Goey to return to Australia later this month but can't guarantee whether the controversial star will feature for the AFL club again.
De Goey is still in the United States, where his December 8 court case has been set in relation to assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in October.
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The 25-year-old is charged with punching and kicking a 37-year-old man at a Halloween-themed party in New York on October 30.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which his lawyer Jacob Kaplan has described as "unwarranted".
De Goey, who initially went to the US in October for an off-season training camp in California, has been stood down by Collingwood from all duties.
New Magpies coach McRae told reporters at the club's return to pre-season training on Monday that he's been in contact with De Goey.
However, McRae said the legal proceedings against him would have to take their course before he can guarantee whether or not the 25-year-old will be part of Collingwood's set-up in 2022.
"Time will tell on that, there's a bit to play out," McRae said.
"It's a little bit premature to say whether he'll be back here training and the like.
"But one thing I will say is (I'm) just touching base with Jordy regularly to make sure he's OK.
"Over my journey working with some great coaches I've learnt that you just want to make sure the person's OK and care for the person first."
The Magpies will wait for the legal process to play out before making a decision on whether to permanently sever ties with the 118-game forward/midfielder.
"One thing I've probably over this period in particular is to just be patient and let the facts come before you pass judgement," McRae said.
"I'll just let that take it's own course, but (I'm) more concerned about Jordy's wellbeing.
"I've just been touching base with him regularly and I know he's training hard over there now.
"I think he's sort of coming to terms with everything but I won't go into full detail about everything that we spoke about."
Jordan De Goey expected to return to Australia in November
McRae said he didn't know the exact details around De Goey's return to Australia but said he believes the player will be back before the end of November.
The Pies coach says De Goey would be welcome back at the Collingwood club if or when he returns.
"At the moment I'm making sure that when the opportunity presents - if it presents - that Jordy will feel well supported," McRae said.
"I want all our players, not just Jordy, to feel that I've got their back and show the love and support where it's needed."
Earlier this month, De Goey released a short statement in which Kaplan said the player "intends to vigorously defend himself against these unwarranted charges".
New York police withdrew initial charges alleging that De Goey had forcibly touched a woman during the nightclub incident.
with AAP
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