In a surprising turn of events, Collingwood Football Club has announced the delisting of star midfielder Jordan De Goey ahead of the 2025 AFL season. This decision comes despite De Goey’s recent four-year contract extension, which was set to keep him at the club until the end of 2028. Head coach Craig McRae expressed deep emotion over the departure, highlighting the complexities and challenges that led to this outcome.A Promising Future Cut ShortIn December 2024, Collingwood proudly announced that De Goey had signed a four-year contract extension, solidifying his place as a key player for the Magpies. The club’s official statement celebrated the agreement, emphasizing De Goey’s importance to the team’s future success. Fans and analysts alike viewed this move as a commitment to building a championship-contending roster around the talented midfielder.The Unexpected DecisionHowever, just weeks into the new year, the club made the unexpected decision to delist De Goey. While specific reasons for this move have not been publicly detailed, it has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, leaving many to speculate about the underlying factors that could have led to such a drastic change in direction.Coach McRae’s Emotional ResponseAt a press conference addressing the delisting, Coach Craig McRae appeared visibly emotional. He spoke candidly about the difficulty of the decision and his personal feelings toward De Goey. “Jordan has been an integral part of our team,” McRae stated. “This was not an easy decision, and it was made with a heavy heart. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”A History of Highs and LowsDe Goey’s tenure with Collingwood has been marked by both exceptional performances and off-field controversies. In 2022, he faced legal issues in the United States, leading to uncertainty about his future with the club. Despite these challenges, De Goey returned to the field, delivering standout performances that reinforced his value to the team.Coach McRae has consistently shown support for De Goey throughout these turbulent times. In a 2022 interview, McRae emphasized his desire for De Goey to remain with the club, stating, “I would love Jordy to stay. He’s an important part of what we’re building here.” This sentiment makes the recent delisting all the more surprising.The Impact on Collingwood’s FutureThe decision to part ways with De Goey raises questions about Collingwood’s strategy moving forward. As a player known for his dynamic presence on the field, his absence will undoubtedly be felt. The club will need to reassess its roster and make strategic decisions to fill the void left by De Goey’s departure.Fan ReactionsThe news has elicited a wide range of reactions from fans. Many have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment, while others have shown support for the club’s decision, trusting that it was made in the
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