The future of Collingwood is coming together with Isaac Quaynor agreeing to a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
Hawthorn, in the midst of a similar rebuild, has also moved to lock up one of its exciting young prospects – Denver Grainger-Barras, who agreed to a two-year contract extension on Monday.
Like Quaynor, Grainger-Barras had been out of contract at the end of the season but has recommitted through to the end of 2024.
Quaynor, 22, said he felt he could “be my best” at Collingwood and under new coach Craig McCrae.
“It’s pleasing to know I have Collingwood’s long-term faith and, equally, I was keen to make a commitment,” Quaynor said.
“I feel that I can be my best at Collingwood. It’s the right place for me and I was keen to acknowledge that. The fans and the crowds, the general environment, are superb and I’m bullish about what is to come on the field.”
Taken in the first round of the 2018 draft, Quaynor, 22, made his debut late in the 2019 season and has taken his career tally to 35 matches.
“We see Isaac as an integral part of our future. He has already developed into a very good medium-sized defender and, in our view, there is so much growth ahead,” Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright said.
“He has talent and strength, is a model professional and is an excellent teammate. Isaac can be a cornerstone of our team for a very long time.”
Quaynor’s new deal follows the re-signings of Scott Pendlebury and Brayden Maynard, with the Pies also set to unveil No. 4 draft pick Nick Daicos, son of club legend Peter, this season.
A knee injury hampered Grainger-Barras’ first season in the AFL after he was selected with pick six of the 2020 draft.
He managed five senior appearances in Alastair Clarkson’s final season at the helm, mostly starting in the back pocket.
Grainger-Barras looks an important part of the Hawks’ future under new senior coach Sam Mitchell.
“It’s great news for the club and exciting for our fans to have Denver commit for a further two years,” said national recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie.
“He is one that brings a great energy to the side, will throw himself at every contest, reads the ball well and provides a strong aerial presence down back.
“He has shown a real willingness to compete and absorb as much as he can, and we’re confident he’ll continue to improve in 2022.
“We know Denver will take confidence from his form across his appearances last season and we’re excited to see where further development can takexjmtzyw him over future years.”
