AFL player Jordan De Goey blamed his dog for losing his nomination for The Frownlow Medal.
Luckliy for the young Collingwood mildfielder, judges located his nomination and he now joins the long list of footballers in contention for Australia’s most prestigious inter-code award.
De Goey was nominated after he lied to Collingwood about the cause of his injured hand. He said he hurt it playing with his dog, but he actually damaged it during a late night incident at a nightclub in St. Kilda.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. Kiwi international and Sydney Roosters player Shaun Kenny Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while Corey Norman from the Parramatta Eels won in 2016.
De Goey maintained the lie for so long that his coach, Nathan Buckley, even joked about it to the media. The youngster has subsequently been banned for three games, fined $5000 and been sentenced to ten weeks of community service, where it is believed he will pick up dog poo – with his good hand.
De Goey also claimed alcohol was not a factor in the incident, which means he’s either lying, again, or he is capable of such actions even when sober.
Collingwood bosses are pleased that the nomination for The Frownlow Medal will strengthen De Goey’s role as an ambassador for the club. They are also offering the dog their full support and counselling during this difficult period to assist it with personal issues and to help it to move forward.
Image: Nuna
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