Brayden Maynard’s game isn’t measured by the traditional statistics.
While Nick Daicos might star in the disposal count, Brody Mihocek in the goal tally and Darcy Moore when it comes to intercept marks, Maynard makes his mark in a more niche area – one percenters.
For the second year in a row, the 27-year-old cracked the century mark in the metric.
It speaks to his desperation and never say die attitude, leading the charge, especially on Grand Final day, in a team that he says never gives up.
“I always pride myself on actions and actually doing it not just saying you’re going to do something,” Maynard says.
“If you’re going to say something you’ve got to go do it and I feel like the Grand Final was the hardest game I’ve ever been a part of.
“To be able to come out on top and know that we’ve given our absolute all (is amazing).
“I felt like everyone had a crack every second of the game and a serious credit to our whole team.
“This group will never, ever give up and will do whatever it takes to put their body on the line to win and we did.”
Maynard feels even more responsibility now he has the label of Vice-Captain.
Always desiring to be part of the leadership group, the defender believes his approachability and connection with each player is his key strength.
“The love and care that I have for this group is something that I pride myself on and I’m really big on relationship building,” he says.
“I feel like I’m really good at that and I feel like I do have a relationship with everyone on the list. I can communicate well and build relationships with everyone.
“I want to be someone that you feel comfortable around to talk about whatever on and off the field.
“Getting into the leadership group was something that I always wanted to do.
“It did take me a while but I’ve been learning every day and I’m still learning how to be the best leader I can.”
He credits the guidance of former captain Scott Pendlebury for a lot of his growth, reflecting on the relationship he shares with the Collingwood great,
“He’s been by my side ever since I started and he’s probably the one bloke I’ve been able to lean on the most,” he says.
“He’s definitely the most professional player I’ve ever played with on and off the field, the way he handles himself, the way he looks after his body
“He’s taught me a lot and I really appreciate all the help that he’s given to me over my journey.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations along the way and I wouldn’t be here today without his help.”
Now with years of maturity behind him, Maynard appreciates just how hard it is to reach the top of the mountain.
“In 2018 when we made it I thought ‘this will probably happen again and we’ll be able to get back here easy’,” he says.
“I didn’t realise how hard it is to make the Grand Final.
“This has been a two-year journey under Fly that’s gotten us to this point and it’s crazy, you don’t realise how hard it is to get there.”
Brayden Maynard’s 2023 achivements:
- Ranked #3 at Collingwood for marks
- First season as Vice-Captain
- Highest placed finish in the E.W. Copeland Trophy (Equal second)
- Darren Millane Memorial Award (Best Clubman)
