Don’t give up on De Goey: Maynard

COLLINGWOOD star defender Brayden Maynard says the Magpies’ relentless game style can take them “deep” into September as he urged the football world not to write off close mate Jordan De Goey.

The Magpies are back in the eight after beating GWS Giants on Sunday for their fifth straight win, armed with a high-pressure game style and intense bond off the field that has driven their surge.

Maynard (pictured), who was outstanding in his 150th game playing on Toby Greene, said the Magpies were capable of pushing every team at the pointy end of the year as he implored De Goey to make his return to the club.

Maynard said it was “devastating” to observe the intense fallout over his Bali nightclub video but was adamant the star ballwinner could bounce back from the off-field indiscretion.

He said he hoped the football world would give De Goey the space he needs to return to training and show the club he is worth another chance with a contract extension.

“I really feel for him, and I have reached out to him multiple times because I just want him back at the club,” he said. “He has obviously had to take some time away, but I love him very much.”

Maynard was at his best in the 11-point win over the Giants and has continued to show the leadership that has underlined his importance to the defensive set-up and team fabric at Collingwood.

A strong contender for AllAustralian selection, Maynard is ranked third in the competition for winning one-on-one contests (45 per cent success rate), and is ranked elite for intercept possessions (seven a game) and tackles (three), according to Champion Data.

Maynard said Collingwood had total faith in the brand of football that had surprised the competition in 2022 after finishing second last last year.

“The boys are seriously building one big family, and a relentless game style and we have the right people at the club,” he said. “I feel like, seriously, we are going to go deep. And give everyone a real run for their money.”