Collingwood vice-captain Maynard has shoulder reconstruction
Brayden Maynard undergoes shoulder surgery and will not return to full training until early 2027.
Collingwood vice-captain Brayden Maynard has undergone shoulder reconstruction after a disrupted second half to 2026. The 29-year-old injured his knee against Adelaide in round 20, then suffered an MCL strain before the Magpies' wildcard final loss to Western Bulldogs.
The club does not expect him back to full training until early in the new year. He will follow a modified program through Christmas.
Teammate Noah Howes also had shoulder surgery after two late-season games on debut. Veteran forward Jamie Elliott and ruckman Oscar Steene have both started running this week following serious injuries.
Both face modified pre-seasons and aim to return in the early months of 2027.
- 29 years old
- Maynard's age
- Early 2027
- Expected return to full training
- Round 20 vs Adelaide
- Knee injury round
- Barely any until 2026
- Games missed since 2015 debut
Why it mattersFixture injuries over summer affect team list planning and premiership prospects for the coming AFL season.
AustraliaCollingwood's rebuild depends on key player recovery; injury depth tests club depth heading into 2027 pre-season.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
