Collingwood star Jordan De Goey will be welcomed back to the club on Friday following a three-month exile from the Magpies due to legal issues in the United States.
De Goey, 25, was stood down from the club in October last year after he was charged following an alleged altercation at a New York bar.
While the utility was originally facing multiple charges, he’s now been brought back to the club after accepting a plea deal which saw his charge downgraded to just harassment in the second degree.
He won’t face jail time, but De Goey will complete a corrective program in Australia as well as abide by club imposed terms including acceptance of further support off-field in co-operation with health professionals and a commitment to permanent, part-time work with the Salvation Army.
Collingwood president Jeff Browne said De Goey will be supported in his rehabilitation.
“Jordan is a Collingwood player and like all of our players he will be supported with everything that we have. We want our people, including those who make mistakes, to know what Side by Side means,” Browne said via a statement.
“We are pleased that the matter is resolved and Craig McRae and his team can get on with the pre-season.”
The agreed settlement regarding De Goey’s legal issues is expected to be ratified at a hearing on January 28.
De Goey has played 118 games in the black and white and comes off contract at the end of 2022.