Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has turned his back on his chance to field free agency offers by inking a three-year extension to stay on in black and white.
The 25-year-old's recommittal to the club will see him call the Holden Centre home until the cessation of the 2025 season.
Given Maynard's meteoric rise within the defensive 50 across the past pair of seasons, Pies fans are certain to be rejoicing their club's ability to capture the South Australian-born stopper's signature.
With an ability to play tall, small and front up each week, it was little wonder why Collingwood's footy GM Graham Wright was keen to express these same sentiments.
โBrayden is a fine player who is approaching his prime. He is also a heart and soul figure in our changeroom,โ Wright told collingwoodfc.com.au.
โHis passion, for his club and his team-mates, has made him a fan favourite and makes his decision to re-sign an important one on a number of levels.
โBrayden 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.โ
Following a quick message to the Magpies' many members, Maynard delineated his thoughts on his new deal.
Start the day right.
An important message from @brayden_maynard: pic.twitter.com/xXiux0e3HG
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) December 9, 2021
โI saw so many reasons to stay and none to leave. It wasnโt a question, in my mind,โ he said.
โIโve been here for seven years and Collingwood is 129 years old but the environment under โWrightyโ and โFlyโ (new coach Craig McRae) feels brand new. Itโs exciting.
โIโm also thankful for the faith in a long-term deal and the support of those around me. Iโm still striving to be as good for Collingwood as Collingwood has been for me.โ
Maynard has played 138 games in a black and white guernsey since being drafted with the 30th pick of the 2014 AFL Draft.
Should the ex-Sandringham Dragon's recent stretch of games continue unimpeded, Maynard will notch up his 150th appearance for Collingwood during their Round 12 clash against Hawthorn scheduled for the MCG.
