Magpies clinch key AFL re-signing: ‘So many reasons to stay’

Collingwood has completed the first of its Holy Trinity of re-signings.

Important defender Brayden Maynard will remain at the Magpies until the end of the 2025 season despite having the chance to test free agency this year.

Collingwood football boss Graham Wright consistently named Maynard alongside Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey as priority re-signings and has locked in his man on a new three-year deal.

The 25-year-old’s ability to play on small and tall opponents and his unerring left boot makes him a key piece of Collingwood’s backline.

Maynard, who has played 138 games and hasn’t missed one since 2018, was runner-up to Jack Crisp in this year’s Copeland Trophy count and short-listed for All-Australian honours last year.

A refreshed atmosphere at the Holden Centre, including the arrival of new coach Craig McRae, who replaced long-serving Nathan Buckley, was among the reasons for Maynard committing his future to the club.

“I saw so many reasons to stay and none to leave. It wasn’t a question, in my mind,” Maynard said.

“I’ve been here for seven years and Collingwood is 129 years old, but the environment under ‘Wrighty’ and ‘Fly’ (McRae) feels brand new. It’s exciting.

“I’m also thankful for the faith in a long-term deal and the support of those around me. I’m still striving to be as good for Collingwood as Collingwood has been for me.”

Wright said beyond Maynard’s on-field talents he was a “heart and soul figure” behind the scenes at the Magpies.

“His passion, for his club and his teammates, has made him a fan favourite and makes his decision to re-sign an important one on a number of levels,” Wright said.

“Brayden has developed into a first-rank player and we believe there is so much more to come. I know he has ambitions to lead and to bring along the many young players in our group.”

Among the other Collingwood players whose contract expires next season are Steele Sidebottom, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Isaac Quaynor and Jordan Roughead.