The Magpies free agent has a decision to make in 2025.
Maynard last recommitted to the Magpies in 2021, inking a long-term extension that saw his ties to the black and white run through to the cessation of the coming season.
In that time, Maynard has helped lead Collingwood to a premiership, won All-Australian honours and has played at least 23 games in each season.
The medium-sized is now set to hit free agency for the first time in his decade-long career, with Maynard able to weigh up his options on the open market if he chooses to do so.
Despite past rival interest from Victorian clubs and back in his home state of South Australia, Maynard believes a new deal will be struck with the Magpies in the near future but couldn’t guarantee what lies ahead.
“The conversations have been had. We’re in a good spot at the moment and I feel like we’re going to be able to get that done soon,” he said on Tuesday.
“We’ll leave that to my management and the club to get done. I don’t think there’s any worry.
“It’d be weird to have any other jumper on. It is a business and a game. Some things do happen, but I think with where my position sits now with the club it’s a pretty comfortable one.
“I’ve had a few conversations along the way with family, friends and my management, and I think we’ll be close to getting a deal done.
“In saying that, it is a business, so who knows what’ll happen, but it’s going in the right direction.”
The coming season looms as a fascinating one for the Magpies as they look to leap back into premiership contention after missing out on a final spot in 2024.
Maynard will resume his role as a defensive spark under Craig McRae, however his preparations have been limited due to an ongoing foot issue.
The 28-year-old is still in line to face GWS come Opening Round early next month, with the Magpies backman hoping to be back to full fitness in the coming weeks.
“I’m coming to the end of that, thank god,” he said of his recovery.
“It’s one of the more annoying injuries. You can sort of train to some extent but it’s always lingering in the background.
“I’ve done everything I’ve needed to do to this stage so it’s only a matter of time before it goes away completely.
“I’ll be ready to go Round 0.”
Maynard is joined by fellow senior Magpies Mason Cox, Jamie Elliott, Bobby Hill, Brody Mihocek and Tom Mitchell in being off-contract, while veterans Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe and Will Hoskin-Elliott also have calls to make on their careers.
Collingwood’s 2025 campaign commences with a trip to face GWS at Engie Stadium on Sunday, March 9 before a return to Victoria to host Port Adelaide at the MCG less than a week later.
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