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Collingwood cornerback Braden Maynard gave a sobering interview after his side’s euphoric one-point win over North Melbournesharing the news that a close friend of his had died.
200 gamers celebrate one of the biggest comebacks in AFL story after the magpies came from 54 points down to break hearts of north melbourne on sunday.
But he remains in mourning after losing a partner in recent weeks.
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Speaking in a gripping post-match interview, the Magpies’ hardman said his milestone “means everything” but there were other things on his mind.
“I absolutely love this club, I love these guys,” he said.
“I’m getting a little emotional because it was a big couple for me. I had a good friend of mine who died due to mental health issues.
“So Deb, Amy, and Bomber, if you’re watching this, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. Lots of love from the Collingwood family and the entire AFL community, we send you all our love, endless hugs every day.
“It’s more than a game, it’s more than just 200 games for the black and whites; I’m doing this for my family, my friends and the whole Collingwood support base and these guys here and the coaching staff.
“Really emotional and I just want to get in there now and celebrate with the boys.”
Maynard then kissed the black armband he wore during the game as he ran to be with his teammates.
The 27-year-old has had plenty of trouble in recent weeks as he was both booed and booed during the King’s birthday clash with Melbourne on Monday.
The last time Melbourne and Collingwood played, Maynard’s clash with Angus Brayshaw in last year’s qualifying final led to a controversial tribunal case where the Collingwood player was cleared and went on to play in their grand final win.
But it effectively ended the career of Brayshaw, who was told by doctors to retire because of repeated concussions caused by blows to the head.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed after Monday’s game that Maynard had been struggling with an unspecified personal issue, which we now know was the death of his friend.
“He’s had a lot going on this week — I’m not going to go into details about that — but off the field it’s been really difficult for him,” McRae said of Maynard on Monday.
“So, I’m sure he wanted to make a good representation of the things that happened outside of here.
“He’s a proud man and he played extremely well. We love it.
“It’s unfortunate what happened in his personal life, but I’ll leave it at that.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said they had not discussed Maynard before the game.
The player himself noted that the Collingwood fans were very supportive during the game.
“I take it a bit, especially when I have the ball,” he told Channel 7.
“But for my fans, they come out on top like they always do.”
Asked if he thrives amid the boos, Maynard laughed and replied: “We all do, don’t we? We love it when the fans get involved, but I guess it’s all part of the game.
“If the fans don’t get involved, then what’s the game?”
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If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information about depression contact Afterblue on 1300224636 or speak to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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