2022 continues to provide reasons to celebrate as we highlight the individual performances of Brayden Maynard, Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury at tonight's AFL awards.
Brayden Maynard, All-Australian Team for 2022
For the first time in his career Brayden Maynard has been selected in the All-Australian team for 2022.
An incredible achievement, the 25-year old has gone to a new level for the Pies this season. His selection comes in a season where a spot in All-Australian team as a defender has been considered more competitive than ever, a nod to how impressive Maynard has been for Collingwood in 2022.
Maynard has much loved by his peers, often recognised as someone who will put in 100% of effort week after week. His passion, energy and enthusiasm towards playing for Collingwood puts him in an elite category of players who drive team success.
In 2022, Maynard has proven his ability at the level not just as a defender but also as an inside midfielder. He averaged a career high 6.45 contested possessions per game, adding a new element to his game.
Two of Maynard's most notable performances this season came against the reigning premiers, Melbourne.
In round 13 he epitomised the Collingwood spirit, playing a crucial role in defeating a highly rated opponent. Playing that hybrid role as a rebounding defender and midfielder, he totalled 25 disposals and a season high 11 contested possessions.
A true tone setter, Maynard was instrumental in Collingwood's victory over the Dees in round 21. What fans will remember from that game was his bone crunching tackles on Ed Langdon and Alex Neal-Bullen.
He played 20 games this season, averaging 17.5 disposals, 73.8 per cent disposal efficiency, 4.7 marks, 2 intercept marks, 3.3 tackles, 3 spoils, 3.5 rebound 50s and 1.1 goals conceded per game.
Nick Daicos, AFLPA Best First Year Player Award and NAB Rising Star
Objectively, Nick has had one of the best first seasons in V/AFL history.
Daicos plays as though he's a seasoned veteran who's perfected his craft over many seasons, the crazy part is that he's just 19 years of age. He has shone on the field alongside his brother Josh, who also had an outstanding season, being part of the All-Australian squad of 44.
Nick's ability to find the ball in his first season has been outstanding, averaging just under 26 disposals a game. What stands out the most however, is how comfortable he is playing across multiple positions.
Across half-back, Nick has been considered one of the best in that position across the entire competition. In the midfield, Daicos showed his ability to be poised, clean with the ball and tough in the contest. Then forward, he is damaging, strong and clean in front of goals.
One of the most impressive Nick Daicos performances this season was against Adelaide in round 18. Proving his versatility, Nick played all three positions that day, however as a forward he was most damaging. Amassing 40 disposals, and kicking three beautiful goals he was clearly the best on ground just 17 games into his first season.
Daicos played 22 matches this season, averaging 21.2 disposals, 70.7 per cent disposal efficiency, 2.3 clearances, 2.4 tackles and 3.5 inside 50s.
Scott Pendlebury, AFLPA Best Captain
There's only one Scott Pendlebury, and we are privileged that he leads our team year after year.
In his 9th season as Captain of our club, Pendlebury aged like a fine wine. He currently holds the club's games record and the club's games record as captain.
He has averaged 22.29 disposals, 4.62 tackles, 3.14 clearances and 3.14 inside 50's a game in 2022.
This season the club celebrated Pendlebury's 350th game with a victory over Adelaide, a game in which he performed brilliantly. A 29 disposal game, topped off with a slick goal from outside 50m.
The ultimate professional, Pendlebury's consistency and professionalism will hopefully see him wear the black and white stripes for at least a few more years to come.
