Collingwood opens contract talks with Bobby Hill before attention turns to star free agent Brayden Maynard

Brayden Maynard will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season – and rivals will come knocking. He’s not the only big name out of contract either. Plus, Bobby Hill’s new deal.

Collingwood has had early discussions on a new deal past 2026 with Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill as it hopes to secure unrestricted free agent Brayden Maynard next year.

Hill has moved to new manager Anthony McConville and is keen to lock in his financial future, given his current contract does not put him in footy’s highest earners.

He kicked the most goals at the Pies last year (30) in what was a solid, but not spectacular, season that he will hope to improve on after his 2023 Grand Final heroics.

Hill would not be a free agent at the end of 2026, given he crossed from GWS to join the Pies, but will hit eight years service.

Locking him in is smart business for the Pies and, while those discussions are only preliminary, there is an intent on both sides to progress them over summer.

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Bobby Hill takes a huge mark against North Melbourne earlier this year. Picture: Michael Klein

The Pies have Brayden Maynard as an unrestricted free agent, given he will hit 11 years of service at the end of 2025.

He is a huge cultural presence at the club and a popular and loyal member of the list.

But as an unrestricted free agent, who will only be 28 next season, he will have interest from rival clubs.

Maynard can play as an under-sized key tall, is an elite intercept player, averaged 456 metres gained this season and is remarkably durable.

He has missed only nine games in the past nine seasons so will have claims for another long-term deal.

It will mean Collingwood will have to reward those factors and will be hopeful it can find the right financial reward to see him commit well before the end of next season.

Brayden Maynard will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne showed interest in Maynard in the off-season given his rugged aggression and versatility as a key back but he was not interested in moving.

The Pies have secured ex-Saint Tim Membrey on a two-year deal and have decided against offering a deal to former Demons defender Adam Tomlinson.

Reef McInnes will be trialled at full back and in defence across summer, as the Pies attempt to find a new back six option after Nathan Murphy’s retirement.

Collingwood has as many as 20 players out of contract next year but most are veterans with Steele Sidebottom, Mason Cox, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Mitchell, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jamie Elliott and Brodie Mihocek all on expiring deals.