The Twin City star is switching codes and plans to take a year off soccer to try his luck at Australian rules football.

Raiders football manager David Nichol said the club had been impressed with former Wanderers captain Maynard, who is highly regarded in the Albury-Wodonga Football Association.

“He’s been super on the track and from the first night that he turned up he’s been very good at training,” Nichol said yesterday.

“He’s got a nice left foot.

“His skills and his training are very good and he will certainly be a chance to play senior footy.

“He’s full on at training and we couldn’t be more happy with him.”

Maynard, an athletic and quick midfielder, was skipper and best-on-ground in Twin City’s cup final win against Melrose FC in 2010, scoring a goal in the 4-2 win.

While the 21-year-old suffered from shin splints and an ankle injury last year, he earned selection in the AWFA team to play in the friendly against A-League club Melbourne Heart at La Trobe University in Wodonga.

Maynard, who has played several reserve games in the O and M for Lavington in the past, has set his sights high at a club that has recruited VFL stars Patty Rose, Ben Davies and David Stretton.

“I’m looking to get into the firsts,” Maynard said.

“I’ve always wanted to play footy and just because of the soccer it’s been too hard.

“I’ll probably give it (soccer) a miss this year and just focus on the footy.

“I just want to give footy a red-hot go.

“I’ve signed there (Raiders) and I’m pretty keen.

“I played a few games for Lavi a couple of years ago but it was a bit hard with soccer on a Sunday so I’m looking forward to something different.”

Maynard, also a talented cricketer, is likely to play in the midfield or in the back line.

Another Twin City star, Cayne Wilhelm, has also trained at the Raiders in the preseason.