Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has committed his long-term future to the Magpies by signing a contract extension through until the end of the 2025 season.

The 25-year-old was to become eligible for free agency at the end of the 2022 season but has turned his back on that possibility to sign a three year extension.

Maynard has developed into an outstanding defender in recent seasons, with his ability to play tall and small and attack the game with a raking left foot kick seeing him finish top five in the last three Copeland Trophy counts. He was runner-up to Jack Crisp in the 2021 count and an All-Australian nominee in 2020.

‘Bruz’, as he is known about the club, is also extremely durable. He has played 138 matches across his seven seasons in black and white and not missed a match since 2018.

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“Brayden is a fine player who is approaching his prime. He is also a heart and soul figure in our changeroom,” Collingwood GM of Football, Graham Wright, said.

“His 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.

“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.”

Maynard described Collingwood as his football ‘home’ and said that the transformation of the Collingwood AFL program over the last year had given him great confidence.

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

“I’ve been here for seven years and Collingwood is 129 years old but the environment under ‘Wrighty’ and ‘Fly’ (new coach Craig 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.”