Brayden Maynard has explained the meaning of two small tattoos inked on his wrists ahead of Saturday’s AFL final.
Collingwood hardman Maynard revealed he takes inspiration from the designs for every match, and will do so again when the Pies take on Brisbane at the MCG.
One wrist bears the signature of his paternal grandfather, Ken Maynard, while the other wrist bears the signature of his maternal grandfather, Graham Campbell.
Maynard’s father, Peter, believes his son inherited his grandfather Ken’s competitiveness. Ken played country footy in the Sunraysia and Tungamah Leagues, while his footy skills can be credited to Graham, a former footy player and coach.
Graham died last year after a long illness, and Maynard said he finds strength when he thinks of his grandparents.
Brayden Maynard has revealed the hidden meanings behind his tattoos
The Collingwood hardman takes inspiration from the inks before every game
‘I kiss my wrists and point to the sky before the siren goes off. I do it for them,” Maynard said via Seven.
“They are always on my mind.”
Maynard is part of a sportingly gifted family. His brother, Corey, is a basketball player, while his sister, Karli, works at the Melbourne Racing Club.
‘A passionate football evangelist; That’s how I would describe him,” Graham Cornes, the inaugural Adelaide coach, said of Campbell.
“He spread the word, he loved the game and the people around him would find that enthusiasm for the game contagious. That is his legacy’.
“I honestly think Dad would wear rings around me. He was fit; very, very fit, elite on both feet,” says Brayden.
Maynard wants to help secure the premiership for Collingwood this weekend
“He was a tough little bugger and he was cheeky too. There are some qualities here, you might say.
‘He was a great player. He sometimes brings out his highlights when he has some red tones, which is quite funny, we laugh.
“He’s been a great role model for me.”