Collingwood coach speaks on defender’s future as rival circles

Collingwood coach Craig McRae remains confident free agent Brayden Maynard will be in black and white next year, with the premiership Magpie yet to lock in his plans for 2026 and beyond.

Maynard has emerged as one of the headline names in this year's free agency, with strong interest from North Melbourne adding to his thinking.

The Roos have reportedly planned a large offer to pry Maynard out of Collingwood, with the Magpies defender potentially looking close to seven figures per season if he were to sign with the Arden Street side.

As the season progresses and no extension is signed at Olympic Park, speculation surrounding Maynard and his future will continue.

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His coach won't get involved in the club's list management discussions as the Magpies hope to retain the 28-year-old, with McRae just hoping Maynard is happy as a Magpie.

Speaking on the fiery defender, McRae said Maynard has given no sign he'll look to leave at season's end.

"I speak often to 'Bruzzy' about his footy, how much we appreciate him, how much we love him," McRae said.

"I don't go into contract stuff. I'll leave that for list mismanagement and his manager. And funny enough, his manager is my manager, so there's a good relationship there.

"But we love 'Bruzzy' very much, and there's no reason right now, if I'm looking at him in the eye, to think [he won't be here].

"But I'll leave it up to the managers to decide those things."

Maynard has played 217 games for Collingwood, earning life membership and playing at least 19 games in each of the past nine seasons.

The Magpies have a long list of list calls to make outside of Maynard this year, with Jamie Elliott, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Mitchell, Billy Frampton, Jeremy Howe, Oleg Markov and Ashley Johnson, among others, still off-contract for 2026.

Collingwood have had a strong year to date on the retention front, securing new deals for Harry DeMattia (2027), Harvey Harrison (2027), Bobby Hill (2030), Tew Jiath (2027), Ned Long (2027), Reef McInnes (2027) and Jakob Ryan (2026).