Brayden Maynard

Collingwood free agent contract talks reportedly recommence

Things have seemingly started moving.

Published by

Aidan Cellini

Talks between Collingwood and unrestricted free agent Brayden Maynard are beginning to trend toward a positive destination amid speculation around his future.

Maynard entered 2025 in the final year of his contract, and according to a report from SEN's Sam Edmund, wants to extend that for the remainder of his career.

However, a large sticking point as to his financial worth has muddled communications, allowing rivals, including North Melbourne, to reportedly ask the question of his availability.

"Discussions between Pies list boss Justin Leppitsch and Maynard's manager Tom Petroro have picked up in recent weeks," Edmund said.

"The rugged defender is being courted by North Melbourne with a highly lucrative, long-term, multi-million dollar proposal.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies acknowledges the crowd after the 2022 AFL Round 16 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Collingwood Magpies at Metricon Stadium on July 02, 2022 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"It's an offer Collingwood can't compete with."

The Pies are paying large amounts to newcomers Dan Houston and Harry Perryman on long-term deals, while a lot of their salary cap is also attributed to stars Nick and Josh Daicos, Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey.

Offers from rival clubs, including the Kangaroos, could be in the realm of $1 million, a price tag Collingwood could not meet.

That dollar figure also reportedly has a five-year deal attached to it, taking the premiership defender to 34 years of age.

SEE MORE: Full list of 2025 AFL free agents revealed

"Defensively speaking, we need to get stronger and he's a player that could potentially help us in that area if he decided to ever leave," North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney told 3AW a month ago.

His status as an unrestricted free agent also means Collingwood will be unable to match North Melbourne's bid.

It is understood that the Pies aren't willing to offer a deal as long as, but recent movements suggest that a contract call is getting closer.

After a positive start to 2025, Maynard will be managed for the trip west against Fremantle on Thursday, alongside Scott Pendlebury, Brody Mihocek (abdomen) and Jordan De Goey.

Published by

Aidan Cellini

2 weeks ago