Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has confirmed he will play in an elimination final next weekend should Collingwood progress.

Speaking on Triple M prior to Collingwood's Wildcard Round final against Western Bulldogs, Maynard said he would return to the lineup.

There was optimism Maynard would play Wildcard Round, before suffering a setback at training last Saturday.

Maynard is currently sidelined with a knee injury after a shoulder dislocation earlier in the season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies warms up ahead of the round four AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 03, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies warms up ahead of the round four AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 03, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The heart and soul co-vice captain has played 17 games this year.

The Pies will take on either Adelaide or Geelong next week, pending the result of Melbourne's clash with Carlton, should they win tonight.

The Pies welcome back Isaac Quaynor and Patrick Lipinski for Friday night's do-or-die clash.

Meanwhile, former skipper Scott Pendlebury is not expected to return until semi final weekend at the earliest, should the Pies make it that far.

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