Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has spoken for the first time since re-signing with the Magpies - a decision that saw the polarising midfielder turn his back on the advances of St Kilda.
De Goey inked a new five-year deal to remain at Olympic Park until the end of 2027, ending a rollercoaster ride of negotiations between Collingwood, the 26-year-old and his management.
Amid interest from the Saints, Collingwood had pulled a four-year offer from discussions with their star man following a highly-documented mid-season trip to Bali.
Both parties returned to contract discussions as the free agency window neared, however further roadblocks were met when Collingwood requested De Goey's next deal consisted of behavioural clauses.
Come the end of September, Collingwood confirmed the Ashburton product had recommitted to the club, striking another blow to the Saints' off-season plans.
De Goey has now spoken on the "stressful" situation he was left in, confirming a number of interviews with St Kilda took place across the year before inking his future to the black and white.
"Obviously its a bit of a stressful period of time, but at the bottom of my heart I always wanted t stay at the Pies," De Goey told 7 News.
"We had a lot of interviews, meetings, kind of did all the due protocols I guess to get the best understanding of what it'd be like if I went (to St Kilda)."
According to 7 News, Magpies senior coach Craig McRae played a pivotal role in seeing De Goey re-sign beyond 2022, while McRae's wife Gabrielle is also said to have been influential in the decision.
The newfound "family culture" is what swayed De Goey to remain with Collingwood for the next five seasons, however the onballer said a call on his future didn't come without its hurdles.
"That was a little bit of a sticking point for a little while there," De Goey said of the behavioural clauses in negotiations with the club.
"At the end of the day we both kind of agreed what was best for me and also the footy club.
Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has given a rare interview, revealing just how close he came to leaving the Pies. The 26-year-old says it was his friendship with coach Craig McRae that helped seal his new multi-million dollar deal. @cleary_mitch @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/juaEVxZY8Q
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 19, 2022
"... (Collingwood) have just created this family culture and I'm thriving in that, as a lot of the other boys are too."
De Goey will now add to his 137 career games for the Magpies, having first joined the club as a top 10 pick from the 2014 National Draft.
