In-demand Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has confirmed his loyalty to the Magpies, turning down a monster offer from North Melbourne in favour of a two-year contract extension.
The 22-year-old’s new deal will keep him at Collingwood until at least the end of 2020.
It is certain to be worth considerably less than the $5 million, five-year ‘Godfather offer’ the Kangaroos had put in front of him.
In the midst of a career-best season, De Goey said loyalty and team success had been the key factors in his decision to overlook interest from North Melbourne and St Kilda.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to remain at Collingwood and grateful to the people who have helped me find my way,” De Goey said.
“I’m happy to have a club and some fantastic people around me that I can rely on, trust and enjoy life with.
“And there is clearly something building at Collingwood that I want to share in.
“The interest from elsewhere was flattering and I hope I dealt with those enquiries respectfully.
“I’ll now continue to push to improve, to get the best out of myself and those around me.”
De Goey’s magnificent recent form has transformed his reputation after a rocky patch that saw him charged with drink-driving and exiled from the Magpies.
Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said De Goey loomed as a key player at the club in years to come.
“Jordy wants to be as good as he can possibly be,” Guy said.
“It’s obviously pleasing and rewarding for a lot of people at Collingwood who have invested a great deal in Jordy that he wants to realise his ambitions at Collingwood, which he sees as his football home.”
De Goey started the season behind the eight-ball when he was banned indefinitely, banished to train with the VFL side and told to get a job outside football after his drink driving charge.
His return to the AFL fold was further complicated by a hamstring injury.
But he has played every game since round four, highlighting his value with a superb six-goal effort in a win against the Saints.