In his first 50 games, played across three years, Jordan De Goey kicked 36 goals.



In his 21 games this season, he kicked 48 goals.



It was an astonishing rise from a man who began the season suspended after an off-field indiscretion.



Returning via the VFL, De Goey had 24 disposals and kicked four goals in a 130-point win over the Northern Blues.



He was immediately elevated into the senior team and never looked back.



De Goey’s breakout game came up at the Gabba against Brisbane in round seven, when he kicked five goals from 20 disposals, guiding the Magpies to a narrow seven-point win.



Two weeks later, he kicked six, this time against St Kilda, and suddenly the football public was beginning to stand up and take notice.



Playing predominantly as a deep forward – almost as a traditional full forward – the 188cm De Goey was a unique threat for opposition defenders of all shapes and sizes. His strength, speed and goal sense had players looking over their shoulders, while his contested marking saw him become one of the Pies’ key targets every time they went inside 50.



But that didn’t stop him from switching into the midfield every now and then, either, where he collected 30 disposals and 12 inside 50s in the barnstorming win over Melbourne on the Queen’s Birthday.



In all, De Goey kicked at least one goal in all bar three of his 21 games, and kicked four or more on six occasions.



He left his mark on September, too, kicking 12 goals across his four finals, highlighted by four against Richmond in the Preliminary Final and three against West Coast in the Grand Final.



At just 22 years of age and with 71 games under his belt, who knows what heights Collingwood’s man in the No. 2 may reach in the years to come?



Collingwood’s Leading Goal Kickers – 2018

Gordon Coventry Award

48 goals – Jordan De Goey

42 goals – Will Hoskin-Elliott

38 goals – Jaidyn Stephenson / Josh Thomas

29 goals – Brody Mihocek

25 goals – Mason Cox