Emotional Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard paid tribute to a “good mate” that handed away when he spoke following his facet’s stirring comeback victory over North Melbourne.
The Pies trailed by 54 factors early within the third quarter on Sunday and had been staring down the barrel of a monumental upset earlier than roaring again for a shocking 18.11 (119) to 19.4 (118) triumph.
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In Maynard’s 2 hundredth sport, Collingwood kicked 12 targets to 5 after the primary break for a momentous victory, however the premiership-winner’s ideas rapidly shifted to the good friend and his household.
There was no signal of what was to return when he was initially requested on Fox Footy post-match about his milestone match.
“I’m actually misplaced for phrases,” the 27-year-old started. “It in all probability wasn’t our day, they introduced the strain, introduced the warmth, they’d a lot of the sport on their phrases.
“To have the ability to combat again in Collingwood fashion, tremendous happy with the boys.
“Sure it was a milestone for myself, however that may be a workforce efficiency. Workforce first mentality.
“Such a great win, going to get pleasure from a beer tonight, that’s for certain.”
It was when Maynard, who was carrying a black armband, was requested about his journey with the Pies that he divulged the devastating information.
“I completely love this membership, I like these boys,” he stated.
“I’m getting a little bit bit emotional as a result of it’s been a giant couple of weeks for me. I had a great mate of mine move away to psychological well being points.
“So Deb, Amy and Bomber, in the event you’re watching this, my coronary heart goes out to you and all your loved ones.
“A lot love from the Collingwood household and the entire AFL group, we’re sending you all our love, countless quantities of hugs day-after-day.
“It’s greater than a sport, it’s extra than simply 200 video games for the black and white, I do that for my household, my mates and the entire Collingwood supporter base and these boys right here and the teaching employees.
“So yeah actually emotional and I simply wish to get in there now and have fun with the boys.”
Maynard, who performs the position of an agitator, robust man sort within the Collingwood backline, usually earns the ire of opposition followers for his on-field antics.
He’s additionally famend in fact for his spoil gone mistaken on Angus Brayshaw in final 12 months’s finals sequence that left the star Demon with one other concussion and finally retiring from the game.
The 2022 All-Australian acquired loads of boos in final Monday’s King’s Birthday conflict rematch Melbourne.
After that sport, Collingwood coach Craig McRae spoke about Maynard’s off-field points, which have now turn into clear.
“He’s had rather a lot happening this week — I gained’t share the small print of it — however off the sector it’s been actually laborious for him,” McRae stated.
“So I’m certain he wished to placed on a great efficiency for the stuff that’s occurred exterior of right here.
“He’s a proud man and he performed exceptionally nicely. We love him.
“It’s unlucky what’s occurred in his personal life, however I’ll depart it at that.”
