Jordan de Goey’s stocks have continued to rise, with the mercurial Collingwood forward kicking a career-high six goals in the Magpies’ 28-point AFL victory over slumping St Kilda.
Out of contract at the end of 2018, de Goey picked the perfect time to showcase his wares against one of the teams expected to chase his signature if he decided on a change.
But having also booted five majors a fortnight ago in a tight win against Brisbane, de Goey’s value to the Magpies is also rising by the day.
The former No.5 draft pick had made a belated start to the 2018 campaign, due to a club-imposed ban for drink-driving and a hamstring strain, but is firing on all cylinders.
The Saints came into Saturday night’s encounter at Etihad Stadium desperately in need of a change of fortunes, having won only one of their opening eight matches.
St Kilda held their own in a tight opening two terms and shot out to an eight-point lead 50 seconds into the third quarter. Surprise packet Jack Newnes booted his fourth goal – the first time in his 122-game career he had managed more than two in a match.
But rather than inspire St Kilda, it sparked the Magpies, who kicked seven of the remaining eight goals for the term, including a flying effort by de Goey on the three-quarter time siren.
The final quarter was pretty much a non-event, with both teams managing a goal apiece in junk time.
The 15.10 (100) to 10.12 (72) victory was the improving Collingwood’s fifth win in their past seven matches.
And they were able to get the job done after playing one short for most of the night.
Forward Alex Fasolo – back in the senior line-up for the first time this year – limped off early in the second quarter with a leg injury and did not return.
The Magpies were best served by skipper Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp, Steele Sidebottom and de Goey, who was a model of efficiency with six goals from his nine kicks.
Luke Dunstan was clearly St Kilda’s best player with 18 contested possessions among his 32 disposals, while Jack Steele had a game-high 10 tackles to go with his 22 possessions.