Isaac Quaynor set to become Collingwood’s next cult hero

Collingwood’s newest livewire defender Isaac Quaynor says he is determined to embrace his Ghanaian heritage after the Pies selected a new cult hero in-the-making.

Isaac Quaynor is handed his Collingwood jumper by Simon Prestigiacomo. Picture: AAP

Collingwood’s newest livewire defender Isaac Quaynor says he is determined to embrace his Ghanaian heritage after the Pies selected a new cult hero in-the-making.

The Pies used pick 13 to match a GWS bid for the Next Generation Academy rebounding defender, with brothers Ben and Luke already training with the club’s academy squad.

His father Yaw’s heritage meant the Pies had access to a rebounding defender capable of shutting down brilliant No.3 draft pick Izak Rankin, playing tall or charging off half-back.

LATE SWOOP: BLUES GO ALL-IN WITH BOMBSHELL MOVE

DRAFT RECAP: WHO DID YOUR CLUB PICK?

COMMENT: CARLTON SAVES DAY AFTER ‘BORING’ NIGHT

The self-confessed Collingwood tragic sat behind the Pies cheer squad at this year’s Grand Final, watching from the other end as Dom Sheed’s goal broke Collingwood hearts.

But he is a legitimate chance to play in Round 1 next year as Sam Murray’s replacement.

He has a made for AFL body and consistent form alongside Will Kelly for the Oakleigh Chargers.

Quaynor said he was happy to embrace his afro and bubbly personality.

“I don’t know, I guess I look at little bit different to other people and I have got the “fro” and I am happy to be who I am 100 per cent,” he said.

“I guess my body is probably more ready for it than a few of the other draftees and I have been hitting the gym and feel pretty confident but there is still so much work to go.”

“I got to sit behind the Collingwood cheer squad for the AFL Grand Final and it was incredibly loud and Collingwood couldn’t get over the line but it was pretty cool to be there nonetheless. I was pretty flat when we lost.”

Isaac Quaynor with his brothers Luke, Matthew and Ben at the AFL draft. Picture: Michael Klein

The Pies believe they have amassed enough draft picks to also secure Craig Kelly’s son Will in the remainder of the draft on Friday and not go into points deficit with their 2019 draft selections.

As recently as December had a shot of his idol Scott Pendlebury as his mobile phone wallpaper.

He accepted the No. 35 jumper from Simon Prestigiacomo, worn so adeptly by Jaidyn Stephenson this season, as part of the Pies tradition for their first draftee in his initial season.

He added midfield time to his CV this year, won the goalkicking test at the draft camp this year and All Australian honours.

Kelly will likely be selected when the draft resumes on Friday with the Pies believing they have enough points not to go into deficit for the 2019 national draft.