By 
EVERY YOUNG AFL fan grows up dreaming of playing for the club they barrack for. This was the case for Isaac Quaynor, who came of age idolising the Collingwood Magpies, with guns like HĂšritier Lumumba inspiring his own game â and his hairstyle. But only a small minority of Auskickers make it to the big leagues, let alone on the leadership team of their team. But again, this is now the case for Isaac Quaynor, who is not only a star Collingwood defender, but also a co-Vice Captain of the football club.
Quaynor roared into the AFL in 2018, as Collingwood’s first pick of the draft. In 2019, he made his official debut in the firsts and in 2020, was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award. Last year, he was shortlisted for the All-Australian squad and was part of Collingwood’s premiership-winning team, before being voted one of his club’s Vice Captains heading into the 2024 season. And while the Maggies still have a long road ahead of them if they wish to make it back to back premierships, as Quaynor points out, “anything is possible”.
But AFL isn’t the only field the Ghanian-Australian athlete excels in (or on). His good looks and fly style have landed him a modelling contract; so far, he’s worked with brands from Hugo Boss to Pandora and Nike, as one of the sportswear giant’s official athletes. He’s the first to admit modelling is out of his comfort zone, but if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know â the 24-year-old looks like a pro.
Ahead of Collingwood’s win against the Melbourne Demons in round 13, we spent the afternoon with Quaynor in Melbourne, as he ran us through five of his favourite outfits, from a cosy look from Nike’s collaboration with Drake’s streetwear brand Nocta, to a steezy checkerboard jacket by Hugo Boss and Porsche. Scroll on to hear how Quaynor balances football with modelling, why his Dad is his biggest style influence and the new business venture he’s been working on for months.
Fit One
Esquire: Firstly, where did you grow up, and where do you currently live?
Isaac Quaynor: I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, in and around Doncaster. I moved to Richmond in the inner city almost two years ago and havenât looked back.
We heard you grew up a Collingwood fan. When you were young, which player did you idolise the most and why?
I always idolised a player by the name of HĂšritier Lumumba. He was a dashing half back for Collingwood who, like me, is a proud African. I used to rock the afro back then and so did he. When I would go to games people would see me and say I was a young âHĂšritierâ. These are memories that I look back on fondly.
When did you first become interested in fashion?
Iâve loved fashion ever since I can remember. My Dad always dressed to impress . . . so much so that as a three or four-year-old I would wear his clothes while he was working. My interest in fashion is something thatâs been innate ever since I can remember.
Fit Two
What was considered âstylishâ or âcoolâ when you were growing up?
As a real youngster it was the baggy tracksuit sets or baggy jeans with Timberlands . . . funny how thatâs basically done a 360 and is back in fashion again. I look back on some of the outfits I rocked in high school, and it is a tough viewing. Skinny jeans with a super baggy graphic tee were just about my uniform to all parties from ages 12 to 16.
Who are your personal style icons? What do you like about their style?
Number one has always been my Dad. Although I donât always rate some of the outfits he wears, he has a style and stays true to it. The mindset around dressing to impress regardless of where you are is something Iâve inherited from him. Two other style icons are Shai Gilgeous Alexander (NBA player) and Lil Yachty. These two continually push the boundaries of fashion and although a lot of the clothes they wear are unreal, theyâre a bit out of my budget range. Nevertheless, they provide me with great inspiration for my own fashion.
Fit Three
How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Cosy, clean and well-rounded. We’ll count that as one word!
Where are your favourite places to shop?
I’m fortunate enough to be a Nike athlete and a lot of my wardrobe is active wear, so shopping at Nike would take the cake. I’ve also been able to establish a healthy relationship with the team at Hugo Boss who have fitted me for multiple events, and I’m definitely a big fan of their range. Another store is I like to shop from is StockX, which has a massive variety of clothes and shoes of all different brands. Vintage shopping is also a lot of fun and something I should do more of.
What are some of your favourite brands right now?
Nike, Chrome Hearts, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Uniqlo for its boxy tees and my teammate Beau Mccreery’s new brand called Rager . . . just to name a few!
What’s your current grail?
I would love a pair of Prada loafers. They’re something thatâs a little out of my usual vibe, but I think [they’re] so versatile.
Can you tell us about how you got into modelling? What do you enjoy about it?
I got into modelling through a mutual friend funnily enough. Itâs not what you know, but who you know! Modelling is something that takes my mind of football and allows me to pursue something completely different. Itâs a hobby that’s right out of my comfort zone.
Fit Four
How does being a professional athlete influence your personal style?
It generally means that 90 percent of the time I’m in active wear, or something that’s comfortable to exercise in. I also have an appreciation for the style of other athletes throughout other sporting codes.
Whatâs something youâve learned about being a leader since joining the Collingwood leadership team?
That a good leader creates an environment to build and foster future leaders. Another learning is that leadership is a constant journey and something you can never conquer; a premium is put on the focus of consistent improvement.
In your opinion, whoâs the most stylish player in the AFL?
My teammate Pat Lipinski gets my vote.
Fit Five
How likely are the Maggies to make it back to back premierships this year?
This has been a hot topic ever since we won last year, and our mantra going into season 2024 is âgetting back to workâ, while finding ways to improve from last year. If and when we do that, anything is possible.
Who will be the team to beat come finals?
Sydney Swans.
What are you most looking forward to right now?
I’m in the beginning stages of starting my own cologne, which is something I’ve been dreaming of doing for the last 12 months. Something for the people out there to stay tuned for!
All photography by Jeremy Kees.
See more from Esquire’s ‘Five Fits With’ series here.
