Brayden Maynard Biography

John Noble recounts how he had a reunion of sorts with primary schoolmate Brayden Maynard, who also attended Our Lady of Grace in Glengowrie, South Australia.

"It was funny, because we hadn't actually seen each other for such a long time. It was almost like a reunion after that long. We've spoken a few times about the good old days at OLOG and a couple of mates we both know and the people we still know. It's always a good laugh," Noble said.

Champion Data rates Brayden Maynard as elite in disposals, uncontested possessions, and metres gained so far in 2020, while he's also rated above average for contested possessions and intercept possessions.

"I do feel like I'm playing my best footy," Maynard says.

"I really narrow my game down to defence and how my opponent impacts the game. For example, the game against GWS. Toby Greene probably got best-on. I had a role on him, so to not get that done, I personally hate that."

Brayden Maynard reveals that he has five personal notebooks – one for each of his seasons at AFL level – which contain detailed handwritten notes on each of his opponents.

Maynard compiles up to two pages of intelligence on his opponents with notes from before and after each game.

"Everyone's different. Some players don't write anything down – they prefer to just memorise what they need to do – but I have to write things down in a notebook so I can go back and re-read it a couple of times before I play; and I can also go back and read it if I need to when we play that team again," Maynard said.

Tom Phillips and Brayden Maynard both sign two-year contract extensions which will keep them at the Magpies until the end of 2021 and 2022 respectively.

"It is clear that they already have important roles to play for us, but casting forward we hope that Tom and Brayden, and others of their age and experience, make their mark as leaders and as cornerstone players of the program," Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said.

Brayden Maynard signs a contract extension which will tie him to Collingwood until the end of 2020.

"We are rapt to have Brayden extend his contract with the club through to 2020," Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said.

"With over 50 games under his belt, I'm confident Brayden is only just beginning to help drive the high standards this playing group will take into next season and beyond."

Brayden Maynard's effort to run back into the unknown and pull down a gutsy mark against Geelong earns him the respect of Collingwood players, coaches and fans.

"I had Jamie Elliott by my side telling me that I had to go," Maynard said of his recollections of the moment.

"I saw the ball in the air and I just decided to go, didn't take my eyes off it and lucky enough it landed on my chest."

Had his father played just four more SANFL games back in the 1980s, Collingwood draftee Brayden Maynard may well have been selected by the Crows under the father-son rule.

"I've definitely thought about it - leading into the draft, I was thinking about it a bit," Brayden said.

"But as soon I was named by Collingwood, I didn't really worry about it.

"I realised I can't do anything about it, I can't control it.

"Being at Collingwood is such a privilege."

Collingwood selects Brayden Maynard with pick No.30 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

"He has played mainly off half-back but in his last couple of games this year were in the midfield," Collingwood recruiter Derek Hine said.

"He's an elite kick and although he doesn't test high for endurance he doesn't play that way, running to the right spots.

"I would be surprised if he didn't play some footy next year. He is the grandson of former Fitzroy footballer and coach Graham Campbell."