Nick Maxwell

Nick Maxwell has been one of the most pleasing characters in Collingwood's return to the top flights of the AFL. In fact over the past two years he's been just about the most reliable and consistent performer in the Collingwood team. He's been the genuine cog in defense, shutting down his man and always getting across to help teammates. He's also established himself as one of the best spoilers in the league. Lately though Malthouse has placed the young leader inside the forward line. The idea seems to be that Maxwell's excellent pressure and attack on the ball will help lock the ball inside the Magpies 50. The plan seemingly worked against the Lions as Maxwell kicked four goals, the only bright spot in the 93-point thumping. But honestly, I'd much rather see him in the backline. The Magpies defense of late has been relatively inexperienced with Presti and Clement out, so Malthouse's thinking must be that now they've returned, he can free up Maxwell to go inside attacking 50. I think that's a mistake.

The fact is that Collingwood have one of the weakest ruckmen in the league, and don't have any gun midfielders. Teams like Hawthorn, the Bulldogs, West Coast and Geelong have murdered them in the midfield. In finals footy the Pies aren't going to get as many inside 50s as their opponents. That's a fact. And that's why the defence needs to be at its strongest. A defensive lineup of Jimmy Clement, Presti, Wakes, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien and Nick Maxwell has to be just about the best in the league. The forward line is still strong, with targets in Travis and Pebbles, and Didak and Leon at their feet. The fact is that the defence needs Nick Maxwell more than the attack does. It seems as though Mick Malthouse wants a legitimate third marking option up front, and Paul Medhurst has not been the answer. Instead of turning to Maxwell Malthouse should look at rotating Josh Fraser, Dale Thomas and maybe Scott Burns in the forward 50. At least until the return of Bucks and Sean Rusling.