Collingwood coach Craig McRae has heaped glowing praise on gun defender Brayden Maynard.
McRae paid tribute to Maynard ahead of his 150th game for the Magpies against GWS on Sunday.
The 25-year-old is a tough and uncompromising player who attacks the football with ferocity.
Maynard finished second in the club’s best and fairest in 2021 and was rewarded with a three-year contract extension last December.
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“He’s a competitor, isn’t he?” McRae said of Maynard on SEN’s The Run Home.
“I think he’s second or third in winning one-on-ones in the competition.
“He’s an infectious character, too. His personality is one that’s very engaging and people love to be around him.
“He’s a hard trainer, a really competitive guy … you see that at training as well.
“I can’t help but think that off the field he’s someone that many would look up to.
“If you met him and he was your idol you would be really, really pleased.”
McRae added: “If you say which player has got someone else’s back the most, he’s the guy.
“If there’s a little niggle, he’ll be there.”
Maynard will look to celebrate his milestone match in style when the Magpies host the Giants at the MCG this weekend.