Collingwood vice-captain Brayden Maynard has shunned North Melbourne to sign a four-year extension with the 2023 premiers.

The gun defender, who could have received a richer deal with the Roos, will remain a Magpie until the end of 2029, when he will be 33 years old.

Despite dealing with an ongoing foot injury, the 28-year-old has been a strong driver of the Pies’ 2025 success with their suffocating defence.

The South Australian was drafted at pick 30 by Collingwood in 2014 and has served as the team’s vice-captain since 2023. He was named in the All-Australian team in 2022.

His recommitment comes as club legend Scott Pendlebury expressed his desire to play on next year.

The 37-year-old is still without a contract for 2026 but wants to continue his career at Collingwood.

“All I can say is I’m loving my footy. I’m a super competitive person and I enjoy going into the club every day—I have so much fun,” he told SEN.

“While we’re still contending and I’m playing a role that the club really values, then I’d love to continue playing footy. But that’s a conversation we’ll have as a club and be nice and mature about it.”

Pendlebury, who has played the third-most games in VFL/AFL history with 414 appearances, would draw plenty of interest from rival clubs if Collingwood does not offer him a one-year deal.