Brayden Maynard talks boos, white line fever, Pies’ culture ahead of game 200

Pies defender Brayden Maynard makes no apologies for his relentless on-field approach to the game, but the premiership Pie says he’s really a “big gentle giant” away from the field.

Collingwood Vice-Captain Brayden Maynard ahead of his 200th AFL game. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Collingwood’s heart and soul defender Brayden Maynard never wanted to be cast by some as one of AFL footy’s polarising players, but he’s prepared to cop it if it means he can keep doing the job for his teammates and the club he loves.

Fresh from copping a cacophony of boos from the Melbourne supporters which were drowned out by the cheers of the Magpie fans on King’s Birthday, Maynard will front up for his 200th AFL game against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

It’s been action-packed career to date highlighted by last year’s premiership success, an All-Australian blazer, a Magpies’ leadership role, but also a deep connection to his teammates and the Magpie fans.

Asked about the dichotomy between being a Magpie hero and a pantomime villain for opposition supporters, the 27-year-old said he had always been a little uncomfortable in the fact that some footy fans don’t like him.

The Magpie as booed consistently in the King’s Birthday clash. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I don’t really like being hated by (some of) the other fans, (but) I can see why they do hate me,” a refreshingly honest Maynard said on Wednesday.

“But I promise, I am a good guy … (I suppose) the only thing that really matters to me is what my teammates think of me and what the club thinks of me.

“I love everyone at this club, I don’t really take any attention to the outside noise.”

But Maynard makes no apologies for his relentless on-field approach to the game.

“It is a bit of white line fever, I do get pretty angry and pretty aggressive when I cross the white line, but that’s who I am,” he said.

“I don’t think I would be here today if I didn’t have that sort of balance. When I’m off the field and relaxing … (I’m) a big gentle giant, but when I cross the line, I am a different beast.”

Maynard was cleared of any wrongdoing by the match review officer over his smother attempt collision with his one-time junior teammate Angus Brayshaw in last year’s qualifying final.

Last Monday’s clash was the first Maynard had played against the Demons since Brayshaw retired from the game due to the ongoing effects of concussions.

“There was a bit of build up, I actually tried to stay off social media (last week) as I knew everything would pop up again,” he said

“To get booed every time I got the ball (was tough), but then the Magpie army could come over and give (me) a big cheer.

“It did mean a lot. Thank you, Magpie army.”

But he’s not complaining: “If we didn’t have a crowd getting involved in the game, then what would the game be.”

He didn’t know what to expect from the Melbourne players last Monday and was a little surprised they didn’t target him more.

Maynard plays his 200th AFL game this weekend. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I knew the fans would be coming for me, but I wasn’t too sure about the players. They didn’t come after me as much as I thought they probably would.”

Asked to reflect on what has been a whirlwind since last year’s finals series, Maynard said he had learnt not to take things too seriously.

“I’ve had a bit of stuff going on outside of football which has made me realise that football isn’t everything,” he said.

“There is a lot more to life … I’ve got great people around me.”

“When ‘Fly’ (Craig McRae) sort of came in (as coach), it was a really sort of fun and relaxed culture.

“We have a lot of fun in what we do. I love coming in every day and running out with the boys, and some of my best mates.”

Maynard was a part of Collingwood’s bumper 2014 national draft intake (taken at pick 30) which included father-son skipper Darcy Moore and star midfielder Jordan De Goey.

He admitted footy was always likely to be his “one-wood” in life, even if he took some time to get his work-life balance right.

“Just with maturity and growing up when you come out of school straight into the AFL system, it sort of hits you between the eyes pretty quickly,” he said.

Maynard credited McRae for changing the club. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“You have to grow up pretty fast. I didn’t go too well at school and football was my one-wood. I had to give it the biggest crack and really give everything to football, and I think I have.

“I feel like I have a lot more to give.

“I had a few conversations (in the) early days which shaped me into the man I am today. But I always knew I had the competitive side to get better and I feel like that’s helped me to get to where I am now.”

He can’t wait to run out there with his teammates on Sunday for his milestone match against North Melbourne, where his brother Corey works and where two of his close mates Curtis Taylor and Cam Zurhaar play.

“It’ll be interesting to see if they say anything.”