“It’ll feel strange for me”: Brayden Maynard suggests potential departure from Collingwood at season’s conclusion.

Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard has kept his cards close to his chest amid speculation linking him with a transfer to North Melbourne.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, he will enter unrestricted free agency, and an expected new deal has yet to materialise.

Reports suggest that the Kangaroos are contemplating presenting Maynard with a lucrative five or six-year contract, potentially worth up to $1 million per season.

Dan Houston’s decision to opt for the Pies over the Roos during the previous trade window has increased Collingwood’s salary cap space for attracting a star free agent.

When asked about his future with Collingwood, Maynard provided a vague yet intriguing reply.

“Only time will tell. We’ll see what happens,” he stated during an appearance on Nine’s Today.

“As I’ve mentioned before, it would feel strange to play in any other colours – but time will reveal all.”

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old appeared poised to recommit to the Pies rather than explore free agency, but of late, he has indicated a willingness to keep his options open.

The arrival of Houston and Harry Perryman at Collingwood on substantial contracts has left Maynard’s salary looking relatively modest.

If he decides to test the market, it’s likely he could command a higher payday, meaning a tempting offer from the Roos might be hard for the Pies to match.

“There comes a time in your footy journey when you have to consider what’s important, especially if [Maynard] receives an extraordinary offer from another team,” said Pies captain Scott Pendlebury in an interview with 9News Melbourne’s Trent Kniese.

North Melbourne’s general manager of football, Todd Viney, acknowledged that while the reports regarding Maynard were premature, the club would indeed be interested in acquiring the 2023 premiership player.

“We keep track of every free agent, restricted free agent, and players nearing the end of their contracts, often scouting them long in advance,” he previously shared with 3AW Radio.

“He is certainly on our radar as someone whose contract is up, and while we’re still developing our squad defensively, we believe we need to bolster our backline.

“Strengthening defensively is essential, and he could be a valuable asset if he chooses to move on.”

Collingwood is set to clash with Sydney this Friday night as part of the AFL’s Gather Round.

Injury concerns rule out Jordan De Goey (right ankle and Achilles) and Lachie Schultz (minor hamstring strain) from the match.

Houston will also watch from the sidelines after accepting a two-match suspension for a high bump on Carlton’s Lachie Fogarty.