An older and wiser Jordan De Goey has learned to handle life in the AFL bubble and is raring to lead Collingwood to finals redemption.

De Goey looms as a huge inclusion for Friday night’s qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG, and not just for his on-field heroics.

A talented but troubled youngster whose indiscretions threatened to derail his career, the 23-year-old has made significant lifestyle changes, stepped up his professionalism and become one of the Pies’ most important players.

That has involved learning to live with the scrutiny that accompanies playing for the AFL’s biggest club.

Having recovered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the past five weeks, De Goey took the chance to escape during the pre-finals bye.

“I got away on Sunday, just went to a mate’s farm and mucked around there which was good fun,” he told AAP.

“I probably just try and get away as much as possible … it’s just getting out of the spotlight or the Melbourne bubble.

“In Melbourne it’s usually pretty good, you just have a bit more responsibility when you go out and do things. The older you get, the smarter you become.”

De Goey says he hasn’t watched a replay of last year’s four-point loss to West Coast, describing it as a “touchy subject” but one that still left him proud of the club’s achievements.

“No one even expected us to make finals, let alone a grand final,” he said.

“Four points is pretty close – it could go either way.

“It was a fantastic experience and I’ll take a lot from it but you kind of forget about it and move on to the next one and use that hunger to go one better.”