Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy has thrown his support behind the AFL club's decision to wait for Jordan De Goey's New York court case to "play out" before letting him back into the fold.
The Magpies are still considering De Goey's future as the star forward-midfielder prepares for another court date next month.
De Goey, who has been charged with assault, was stood down by Collingwood soon after an incident at a Halloween-themed party at PHD Rooftop Lounge on October 30.
Grundy on Monday revealed he has since reached out to De Goey multiple times to check on his teammate's welfare.
De Goey is barred from attending Collingwood's headquarters and has sought alternate avenues to continue training, including time with local Bellarine Peninsula club Leopold who are coached by former Magpies assistant Garry Hocking.
Collingwood are unsure about sticking with De Goey, regardless of the result of the court case, due to their concerns about his behaviour over a long period of time.
"Until things play out, I'm supporting what the club is putting in place," Grundy said.
"Jordan is entering his eighth season now, he's a professional and I think he'll be a big enough boy to be able to deal with training away from the group.
"That's going to play out in the next five to six weeks."
Collingwood have entered their first pre-season under new coach Craig McRae and Grundy said De Goey will be able to catch up if he returns before the 2022 season begins in March.
"There's no reason why Jordan can't be upskilled in the any of the game plan and stuff like that," Grundy said.
"It's going to be on him. It's going to be a challenge for Jordan to be able to keep up his conditioning and be able to come in.
"But I'm sure if and when that happens he'll be really desperate to put his best foot forward."
Grundy spent more than two months with family in Adelaide over the off-season and has lost about 3kg in an attempt to recapture the sort of form that resulted in All Australian blazers in 2018 and 2019.
"I've trimmed up, just trying to give myself the best opportunity to play my best footy and I think that probably starts with just having a really good pre-season and just getting as fit as I can," Grundy said.
"One thing about (McRae) is he doesn't really put you in a box - he wants you to play to your strengths and he's really encouraging me to bring my flair and show what I'm good at."
Australian Associated Press
