Legendary AFL journalist Mike Sheahan says he would let Collingwood’s playing group be the ultimate arbiter in determining a penalty for troubled youngster Jordan De Goey.
As confirmed by the AFL Players Association to SEN Breakfast this morning, the club has the option to fine the 21-year-old up to $10,000 if it’s determined he has committed a second major breach of the player’s code.
De Goey was caught drink-driving on Saturday night, recording a blood alcohol level of 0.095. He has had his licence suspended for six months.
“It’s a conundrum. There’s no doubt about that,” Sheahan said.
“He’s a very good player this kid.
“I would try something novel. I’d throw him at the mercy of his playing group. The peer group pressure is the ultimate pressure.
“I’m saying you get the 45 players in and say ‘you’re representing your footy club here midweek, as distinct to on a match day’, this bloke’s done the wrong thing. We don’t want him not playing because he’s too important to us, you tell us what you think we should do to sanction him.”
Sheahan has admitted to being a critic in the past of clubs handing out community based orders, however in De Goey’s case he said he wouldn’t be against a sanction that saw him conducting work with the homeless for the remainder of the season.
“If in fact he were told that he had to spend his season – one day a week attending to the homeless, Collingwood have a good record on that social front,” he said.
“If he were made to do that, I would accept that.”
He says handing an increased suspension for his second misdemeanour in consecutive pre-seasons is not the answer.
“He’s got to learn like the rest of us do that you can’t drink and drive, and five weeks out from the season this is a major issue,” Sheahan said.
“Maybe it’s a major health issue for him.
“Just saying ‘righto we gave you two weeks last time, we’re going to give you four next time’. I’m not sure that’s the solution.”
To hear Mike Sheahan's chat with Garry and Tim on SEN Breakfast listen in the player below: