There have been many young players who have been tipped for big things in 2021, however, it could be the year that Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor finally becomes a household name in the AFL. The 20-year old was given some valuable minutes on the field last season, however, his run of games was disrupted by a shin problem and he’ll be keen to avoid any more injury setbacks going forward.

Quaynor is a defensively minded player who has an innate ability to read the game. Although he is a defender by trade, he is also able to operate in the middle, and with Adam Treloar’s high profile departure having been confirmed at the beginning of November, he could potentially be given the chance to step up and fill the 27-year old’s boots next season.

​Although he has been praised for his ability to thwart the opposition, the former under-18 All Australian has also impressed with his kicking and athleticism. His precision with the ball at his feet has earned him praise from numerous footy analysts, and he was one of two Next Generation Academy prospects to catch the eye at the 2018 Draft Combine, recording a perfect score in the goalkicking assessment. He also possesses terrific speed and a superb leap, and he appears to be learning and improving on a weekly basis.

He is a rising star of the game, and he is likely to play a big part for Collingwood next season. He is highly rated in Melbourne, and will be keen to help the Pies improve upon this year’s eighth place finish. Despite their inconsistencies, they still managed to reach the semi-final stage. However, their campaign was cut short following a heavy defeat to Geelong at the beginning of October.

Coach Nathan Buckley has been brave with his decision-making and he isn’t afraid to take risks. He has opted to blood several rookie players over the last twelve months, and he will be hoping to find the perfect blend of youth and experience once again next season. They are 13.00 sixth favourites to win the 2021 AFL Grand final in the latest Aussie Rules betting, and lifelong Pies fan Quaynor will be hoping that he can be the man to guide his side back to the MCG.

Despite already featuring regularly, he will be expecting to play an even bigger role next season alongside the likes of Josh Daicos and Will Kelly. Quaynor missed three games last season after a nasty clash at the Gabba with Swan’s forward Sam Wicks. However, upon his return to fitness, he was drafted straight back into the side, and won six of the eleven matches in which he featured. He averaged 2.3 tackles, 6.7 handballs and 13.5 disposals throughout the course of the campaign, and put in a number of eye-catching performances. Although he showcased his talents on numerous occasions, his 17-disposal, 7-mark display against the Suns in mid-September earned him the Rising Star award for round 17.

Buckley has a number of tremendously talented young players to work with next season, and it could be an extremely exciting time to be a Pies supporter. Quaynor is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, and with his attention to detail, and ability to read the game, he looks likely to become one of the AFL’s most consistent performers in 2021.