Collingwood draftee Isaac Quaynor ready to go from Magpies’ fan to half-back flanker

Long-time Collingwood Magpie fan Isaac Quaynor had one of the best seats in the house for this year’s AFL Grand Final and he could have an even better one when the Magpies next run out onto the MCG.

LONG-TIME Magpie fan Isaac Quaynor had one of the best seats in the house - right behind the Collingwood cheersquad - during this year’s nail-biting AFL Grand Final.

As shattered as he was with the Pies’ narrow loss the 18-year-old, who became the club’s first draft pick on Thursday might, have an even better vantage point the next time Collingwood runs onto the MCG.

If you listen to draft watchers, Quaynor could well be playing off half-back when the Pies take on the Cats on March 21.

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“I was lucky enough to snag a ticket behind the Collingwood cheersquad,” Quaynor said.

“It was a pretty good spot to be in until West Coast got that (late) goal.

“It feels like five months ago, and 12 months ago, I was looking at it all as a fan (would). Now to be a part of the club you have barracked for all your life is a dream come true.”

Isaac Quaynor with his brothers (from left) Luke, Matthew and Ben. Picture: Michael Klein

Quaynor joined Collingwood’s other national draft picks Will Kelly and Atu Bosenavulagi - all from Oakleigh Chargers - at the Salvation Army’s Magpie Nest Cafe, as they learnt about the club’s commitment to the community’s less fortunate.

The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle said: “Collingwood’s program is genuinely changing lives … the fact they brought their draft players here is just a huge statement that they are absolutely committed to the most vulnerable people in the city.”

The Magpies have eight players on the list who were recruited from Oakleigh, with Quaynor joking “the Chargers are taking over, which is good.”

Selected at pick 13, Quaynor can’t wait to get started at the Holden Centre.

“First, I want to get on the training track and train hard, and make a good impression on my teammates and the coaching staff,” he said.

Collingwood's draftees at the Salvation Army in Bourke Street. Picture: Michael Klein

“Obviously, everyone wants to make a senior debut at some point.”

“It’s pretty cool to hear your name (used) next to childhood heroes in Jason Johannisen, Neville Jetta and Harry O’Brien … but it is pretty confronting as well.”

Bosenavulagi said he was shocked to hear his name called by the Magpies.

“They didn’t give me any clues,” he said.

“They just wanted to give me a heart attack, waiting for my name to be called second last.”

The rugby union convert was born in Australia, but has a number of family members in Fiji, who might help boost Collingwood’s membership next year. He also has a close connection with Magpies cheersquad leader ‘Joffa’ Corfe.

Originally published as Collingwood draftee Isaac Quaynor ready to go from Magpies’ fan to half-back flanker