Brayden Maynard couldn’t see himself in an All-Australian blazer this time last year but the Collingwood star always believed the Magpies could become a premiership contender this season.
Maynard and his teammates were feeling the love on Friday night as the club hosted an open training session ahead of their qualifying final against top-team Geelong at the MCG next Saturday.
This time last year the club was in crisis as it finalised the appointment of coach Craig McRae and started planning for how it could move off the bottom of the ladder, now they are three wins from the AFL premiership.
Brayden Maynard shows some dash against Carlton last round.Credit:Getty Images
“It’s amazing,” Maynard said.
“To come from 17th to the top four is just a credit to [football manager] Graham Wright for getting the coaching staff and for the players to adapt to the style and game plan we wanted. It’s really fitting for the club and I’m loving it.
“There’s was always that feeling, that belief because although we weren’t performing, we had a really good list.
“The belief was there and we still had something like 12 people on our list from our grand final year.”
The 25-year-old running defender admits he wasn’t expecting he would make the All-Australian side but was proud to hear his name called.
“I didn’t have any idea,” Maynard said.
“I didn’t think I would be in there because normally they pick the boys who get all the touches. While I didn’t get have many disposals I felt like my effort was always there and to be named in such an elite, A-grade group makes me feel truly blessed and honoured.”
Brayden Maynard.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images
Magpies midfielder Taylor Adams trained well on Friday as he looks to prove his fitness after a groin injury while key position player Nathan Kreuger, who crossed to Collingwood from Geelong in the off-season, is due to play VFL this weekend after 16 weeks out with a shoulder injury.
“I feel like Taylor trainings the house down every time he gets out here and it was hard to stop him out there,” Maynard said.
“He trained well tonight and trying to come back. He brings a lot of leadership and a bit of grunt which we’ve missed the last few weeks so if he can come back the boys would love it.
“Kreuger has been out 15 or 16 weeks. I’m pretty sure he went to Europe to get some treatment. To see him train the house down, it’s a credit to him. I’m looking forward to watching him play VFL.”
The Magpies have shown they can match it with anyone this season and while Geelong topped the ladder in the home and away season, Maynard said he doesn’t fear the Cats.
“Fear? Nah. Never. I don’t fear anyone,” Maynard said.
“I’m looking forward to the contest. They have been the best side all year, clearly, but we have a young group and I can’t wait to get out there next Saturday.”
Maynard also said he believed midfielder Jordan De Goey would stay at the club next season.
“He’s not going anywhere – I will make sure of that,” Maynard said.
“I haven’t really had a conversation with him as I don’t want to be another voice in his ear but I’m sure they will work something out as he is really wanted and the other boys benefit from playing alongside him.”
Maynard also echoed calls for a thief to return a pair ruckman Mason Cox’s goggles which Cox said were stolen from the mail room in his apartment building this week.
Cox was training in an older pair on Friday.
“I don’t know who that was but please give them back as he needs them and we need him,” Maynard said.
