JORDAN De Goey's best-afield five-goal performance in Collingwood's win over Brisbane last weekend highlighted why the Magpie is one of the most valuable out-of-contract players on the market this year.

And what makes him more desirable for rivals is the 22-year-old is only just scratching the surface.

De Goey is four games back from his club suspension for drink-driving in the pre-season, which was followed by a hamstring strain that delayed his return further.

He was quiet against Richmond in round six, but has added genuine spark, skill and hardness to the Magpies' line-up.

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Clubs have already enquired with his management about his plans at the end of this season, when he falls out of contract.

WATCH: De Goey's amazing handball sets up sealer

St Kilda has flagged its interest, which AFL.com.au reported last month, and others, including North Melbourne, Essendon and Carlton, should also be preparing offers to make De Goey think.

The Pies are keeping in constant dialogue with De Goey's manager Ben Niall and are aware of the player's intent to open discussions later in the year once he has fully reestablished himself back in the Pies' line-up.

Re-signing De Goey is clearly a priority for Ned Guy, who left a distinguished career in the player-management industry last year to become Collingwood's list manager.

Recruiting manager Derek Hine, who selected De Goey at pick No.5 at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft after the Oakleigh Charger had rocketed up the order across the season, said the club was aware of the emerging Pie's decision to hold off opening talks.

"Ned's looking after all of that stuff, but I think it's pretty well documented Jordy wanted to get a really strong body of work. But what I will say is the way Jordy has been able to approach his football and the way he's gone about it has been a credit to him," Hine told AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast this week.

"The leadership group has really supported him. You just couldn't play at the level he's at without that support. It's post mid-year break that something (contract talks) will potentially be going on."

Some scouts rival clubs believe the 54-gamer could follow a similar trajectory as Richmond superstar Dustin Martin, starting his career as a goalkicking half-forward before eventually moving into a more permanent midfield spot without losing his attacking skills.

"Statistically at the same age they're not dissimilar," Hine said.

"I'm an unabashed fan of Jordy. The sky's the limit with him, it really is. We forget he hasn't done a pre-season yet. He's got power, he's strong overhead. How far can he go? Who knows.

"He's just really starting to look at and get what's required. Personally, I'm extremely proud of him and the way he's going about it, and I know the rest of the club is as well."

The complication with De Goey – re-signing him from a Pies perspective or offering a mega deal from a rival's point of view – is clearly the off-field indiscretions of the past 18 months.

He was suspended by the Pies after lying to the club about a pre-season bar fight when he broke his hand last year, and the drink-driving incident saw a range of measures imposed, including finding a job away from football, giving up alcohol for the season, a fine of $10,000 and seeking medical professionals to improve his decision-making.

De Goey can be impulsive, but he is likable, knockabout and has close friends at the Pies. Those attributes were obvious as he came through the under-18 system, where he had a healthy dose of confidence and cheek and was a popular student at St Kevin's College.

Collingwood has noticed an improvement in his maturity since his setback earlier this year, and he has settled into the property he bought in bayside Melbourne. The 'tough love' they showed him at the start of the year and range of measures put in place were significant but not a send-off from the Pies.

But the "dust-ups" he has had with Collingwood, as coach Nathan Buckley described them on Wednesday, have given clubs a sniff he is gettable. Sydney looked at him closely last year and was interested in the trade period, but nothing developed.

More performances like Sunday's will push his value up further.

Road to the Draft podcast

Magpie recruiter Derek Hine joins Cal Twomey and Nat Edwards to discuss the club's decision to take Jaidyn Stephenson just hours before last year's draft. Also, will the Pies chase Gold Coast skipper Tom Lynch? And will they keep Jordan De Goey?